House Republicans have unveiled sweeping legislation that would dramatically reshape federal student aid programs, potentially making college more expensive for millions of students while cutting federal spending by an estimated $185 billion over the next decade.
The 103-page bill, released as part of the GOP's reconciliation legislation, targets several key financial aid programs that disproportionately serve low-income and underrepresented students. Education advocates warn these changes could create new barriers to higher education access and completion.
Among the most significant proposals is a change to Pell Grant eligibility requirements. Students would need to take 30 credit hours per academic year—approximately 15 hours per semester—to receive the full grant, up from the current 12-hour requirement.
"While we support initiatives to reduce the time it takes for students to attain a degree, this approach may jeopardize time to completion for students who work part time," said Kim Cook, chief executive of the National College Attainment Network. "By increasing students' unmet financial need, this proposal will also drive-up student borrowing for millions."
The National College Attainment Network estimates this change would impact approximately one-quarter of current Pell Grant recipients. Additionally, students taking fewer than six credit hours would lose eligibility entirely, affecting those needing just a single class to graduate.
The legislation would also eliminate subsidized loans, which currently spare undergraduate students from accruing interest while in school. The bill includes a three-year exemption for students enrolled as of June 30, 2026, but future students would face higher costs.
"House Republicans propose charging low-income students more interest by ending the subsidized loan program for students with financial need," said Abby Shafroth, co-director of advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC).
