119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9414
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 significantly expands federal aid for low-income college students by increasing the maximum grant amount for the poorest students to cover their full financial need, extending eligibility from 12 to 18 semesters to allow more time for degree completion, and automatically qualifying students who recently received federal benefits for enhanced grants. The bill also establishes clear federal standards for how colleges evaluate academic progress, requiring them to set reasonable grade requirements (minimum C by sophomore year), regularly notify students of their standing, and implement a two-tier warning system that allows struggling students to keep their aid while completing an academic improvement plan. Colleges must communicate progress standards to students before classes begin and through their financial aid websites, with the Secretary of Education providing templates to assist institutions. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond, affecting millions of low-income students pursuing higher education.