Pell to Grad Act

# Pell to Grad Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Pell to Grad Act would expand federal Pell Grant eligibility to graduate students. Currently, Pell Grants—need-based federal aid for low-income students—are only available to undergraduate students and limited to 12 semesters of funding. This bill would increase the total limit to 16 semesters and allow eligible graduate students to use any remaining Pell Grant funds toward their first graduate degree. To qualify, graduate students would need to have originally received Pell Grants as undergraduates and meet income eligibility requirements. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily benefit low-income students pursuing graduate degrees, particularly those who didn't exhaust their Pell Grant eligibility during their undergraduate education.

It's sponsored by Representative Haley M. Stevens (D-Michigan) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. The bill addresses rising costs of higher education by extending need-based aid to graduate-level study.