Biden Proposes Free Community College, Pell Expansion

Inside Higher Ed

Scott Jaschik
April 28, 2021

President Biden wants $109 billion for two-year colleges, $80 billion addition for Pell Grants, $62 billion for retention and completion efforts, and $39 billion for two free years at minority-serving institutions for most students.

President Biden on Wednesday proposed a plan to make good on his promise for free community college — and much more for higher education.
Included in his American Families Plan is:
  • $109 billion for two years of free community college “so that every student has the ability to obtain a degree or certificate.” Dreamer students would be included. “American workers need and deserve additional support to build their skills, increase their earnings, remain competitive, and share in the benefits of the new economy,” says the plan.
  • $80 billion for Pell Grants to increase the maximum grant by $1,400. “While nearly 7 million students depend on Pell Grants, the grant has not kept up with the rising cost of college. Over the last 50 years, the value of Pell Grants has plummeted. The maximum grant went from covering nearly 80 percent of the cost of a four-year college degree to under 30 percent — leading millions of low-income students to take out debt to finance their education,” the plan says.

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