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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Business
Akshay Puri

US Student Aid at Risk as $17 Billion Pell Grant Shortfall Looms After Midterms

Proposed cuts to Federal Work-Study and need-based grants could leave students with fewer support options. (Credit: This is an AI-Generated Image)

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.

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