Trump aims to slash Pell Grants, which could limit low-income students’ college access

Summary

The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes substantial cuts to higher education funding, notably reducing the maximum federal Pell Grant from $7,395 to $5,710, along with scaling back the federal work-study program. These cuts, aimed at funding a tax and spending bill, could affect millions of low-income students, potentially increasing average student debt by $6,500 and limiting access to college. Critics argue that such measures disproportionately harm those who rely on financial aid, particularly low-income families, and could exacerbate existing educational inequities.

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