03
Feb
2011
Maximum Annual Award Maintained at $5,500
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the Department of Education's release of the new Pell Grant schedules as an important step towards improving access to college. The schedules determine the Federal Pell Grant awards for the 2011-2012 Academic Year - July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 - for low-income college students. The maximum Pell Grant award for this year will be $5,550. As Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Harkin led the effort to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the Continuing Resolution that passed the Senate and was signed into law in December. Additionally, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin worked to eliminate billions of dollars in wasteful subsidies to banks and redirected that money to increase Pell Grants as part of the reconciliation package that was used to provide technical fixes to the health reform bill last March.
"In our efforts to attract and keep good jobs in America - and to stay competitive in the global economy - we must increase the number of students who attend college," said Harkin. "Currently, there are millions of bright, young people who want to attend school but simply can't because of finances. That is where the Pell Grant program provides much needed assistance and makes college more affordable for low-income students. This is a small federal investment that repays itself many times over with a better paid tax base and a more educated work force.
"I am pleased that today the Department of Education has released its schedules so that schools and students can plan accordingly. This is truly an important step in increasing access to college for all Americans. Moving forward it is critical that we do all that we can in Congress continue to fund this program that is helping our economy and our future generations."
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to over nine million low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's expected family contribution; the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. To see the full Pell Grant schedule released today click here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the Department of Education's release of the new Pell Grant schedules as an important step towards improving access to college. The schedules determine the Federal Pell Grant awards for the 2011-2012 Academic Year - July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 - for low-income college students. The maximum Pell Grant award for this year will be $5,550. As Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Harkin led the effort to fully fund the Pell Grant program in the Continuing Resolution that passed the Senate and was signed into law in December. Additionally, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin worked to eliminate billions of dollars in wasteful subsidies to banks and redirected that money to increase Pell Grants as part of the reconciliation package that was used to provide technical fixes to the health reform bill last March.
"In our efforts to attract and keep good jobs in America - and to stay competitive in the global economy - we must increase the number of students who attend college," said Harkin. "Currently, there are millions of bright, young people who want to attend school but simply can't because of finances. That is where the Pell Grant program provides much needed assistance and makes college more affordable for low-income students. This is a small federal investment that repays itself many times over with a better paid tax base and a more educated work force.
"I am pleased that today the Department of Education has released its schedules so that schools and students can plan accordingly. This is truly an important step in increasing access to college for all Americans. Moving forward it is critical that we do all that we can in Congress continue to fund this program that is helping our economy and our future generations."
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to over nine million low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's expected family contribution; the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. To see the full Pell Grant schedule released today click here.
