This morning the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Joe Biden’s $1.7 trillion “Build Back Better” plan, a package of tax changes and spending on education, healthcare and the climate that is the centerpiece of his domestic agenda.  Included in the legislation is a $550 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award, the foundation of the federal student aid programs. The legislation is now headed to the Senate for consideration after Thanksgiving. 
 
NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.M. issued a statement following the vote:
 
“This morning’s action by the House of Representatives to increase the Pell Grant maximum award by $550 is welcome news.  While the amount falls far short of the $1,475 Pell increase the Biden administration originally sought—and does not come close to doubling the Pell Grant to $13,000 sought by the Double Pell Alliance, we are heartened by this first important step and that Congress may add an additional $400 this year as part of the federal appropriations process.
 
“Over the course of nearly 50 years, the Pell Grant has been proven to be an effective tool in helping students from low- and middle-income families achieve their higher education goals.  We remain steadfast in our advocacy for doubling the Pell Grant maximum award to $13,000, which would increase the number of eligible students, reduce student debt, and restore the purchasing power of this important federal financial aid program.”
 
- Barbara K. Mistick, D.M.
  President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
   
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. Our member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities, art and design colleges, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions. Each year, private, nonprofit colleges and universities graduate more than 1.1 million students.