A sweeping simplification of the federal financial aid application process has resulted in 1.7 million additional students qualifying for maximum Pell Grants in the 2025-26 cycle, representing a 27% increase over pre-simplification levels, according to new data released by the National College Attainment Network.
The dramatic uptick in eligibility stems from changes implemented through the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law during his first term. The legislation streamlined both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and the criteria used to determine grant eligibility.
NCAN's analysis of data provided by the Office of Federal Student Aid reveals consistent positive trends across multiple metrics, including increases in total FAFSA applicants, recent high school graduate numbers, and significant growth in students eligible for both maximum and minimum Pell Grants.
Recent high school graduates account for more than 215,000 of the newly eligible students, with five months remaining in the current FAFSA cycle that could push those numbers even higher. The organization has documented steady growth throughout the application period, suggesting the simplified process is successfully reaching students who might have been discouraged by previous versions of the form.
"We are finally seeing the promise of a better and simpler FAFSA made real," said Kim Cook, CEO of NCAN. "This year's smoother process is helping to rebuild trust in the financial aid system with the students and families that NCAN member organizations serve every day, ensuring that more students will gain access to the Pell Grants that help make postsecondary education more affordable."
The increase in Pell-eligible students comes as overall college enrollment reaches historic highs. Notably, students from ZIP codes with the lowest median incomes are enrolling at higher rates than other demographic groups, according to the National Student Clearinghouse's fall enrollment report. These are precisely the students whose enrollment decisions often hinge on understanding their financial aid eligibility, making the timing of the FAFSA improvements particularly significant.
Aaron Lemon-Strauss, executive director of the FAFSA Program at the U.S. Department of Education, attributed the results to both the improved application experience and the work of college access organizations nationwide.
