Community College Students May Face Financial Loss Due to Changes in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

The proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill” poses a significant threat to hundreds of thousands of community college students who may lose their financial assistance under stricter Pell Grant eligibility requirements. If the bill passes, students would need to enroll full-time, increasing the required credit hours per semester from 12 to 15.

This change could create hardships for those juggling jobs, parenting, financial difficulties, and other commitments, as highlighted by the American Association of Community Colleges. Currently, over 10 million students are enrolled in community colleges in the U.S.

While Pell Grants are available for students at four-year institutions, community colleges often serve as an essential entry point for low- to middle-income individuals seeking higher education. For example, Lakina Mabins, a mother of five who recently became valedictorian at Kennedy King College in Chicago, emphasized her reliance on financial aid, stating, “I don’t have any other options.”

Pell Grant recipients receive between $740 and $7,395 annually, while the average yearly cost for community college attendance is $4,050, compared to $11,610 for four-year public universities. The proposed changes to Pell Grant eligibility come as part of a broader budget bill driven by Republicans aimed at reducing taxes and government spending.

Although House Republicans approved their version in May, the Senate is currently deliberating the matter. Students like Maria Baez from the Community College of Philadelphia fear they would have to drop out if the bill passes due to financial constraints, noting that she received approximately $3,600 last semester through Pell Grants.

The looming reality of losing such assistance highlights the challenges faced by many community college students trying to navigate their educational goals while managing substantial responsibilities. Martha Parham from the American Association of Community Colleges expressed concern that many students cannot attend full-time due to other obligations, emphasizing that community colleges serve as critical pathways to the middle class.

Additionally, the bill would eliminate subsidized federal loans, exacerbating the debt burden on students. As Michael Weaver from Stanly Community College pointed out, the flexibility to take courses at one’s own pace is vital for many Pell Grant recipients who balance education with work.

Ultimately, Mabins, aiming for a master’s degree in the next five years, articulated a common sentiment among students relying on government assistance: “The government wants me off assistance, but they are creating more debt and making it harder for me to better myself.”