The US Congress faces a projected $16.9 billion Pell Grant funding shortfall across fiscal years 2026 and 2027. With the 3 November midterm elections approaching, a potential shift in congressional control could influence negotiations over student aid and federal education spending.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates a shortfall of $5.4 billion to $5.5 billion for fiscal year 2026 and a further $11.5 billion for fiscal year 2027. These figures are projections, not confirmed cuts to student grants.