Washington (Nexstar)-A proposal supported by Republicans could make the Pell Grant program significant changes, in which many college students have to take over more complex courses in order to qualify for federal aid.
According to the legislation, full -time students would have to register from the current 24 in at least 30 hours a year in order to remain justified. Part -time students would increase their requirements from 12 to at least 15 hours a year.
“It is one goal to get more students to go all day, to make faster, and I think some students will help to get there,” said Robert Kelchen, an education professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
But Kelchen also warned that many students could have difficulty meeting the fresh requirements.
“About two thirds of the students work and many of them work in all times,” he said. “Some balance full -time school and full -time work. Others take one or two classes while working 40 hours a week and take care of their families.”
Pell subsidies were set up by the congress in 1972 to facilitate students with low incomes. Nowadays, about 40% of the US students receive the scholarship that does not have to be repaid. The federal government spent around 31.47 billion dollars for the program in the last academic year.
Critics of the proposal, including the NAACP, warn against damage to students disproportionately from colors and regain the recent profits of College access.
“What we see is a really aggressive and quick attack,” said Wisdom Cole, the national director of youth and college director of the NAACP. “About 75% of the graduates of historically black universities and universities (HBCUS) are Pell Grant recipients. These are the students who are hit hardest.”
Supporters argue that the changes are necessary to ensure the accountability obligation. Madison Marino, an expert in university education at the Conservative Heritage Foundation, showed data that shows that only about 53% of the Pell Grant recipients conclude a degree – significantly lower than the final rate of 70% to 73% for their colleagues.
“I think it will make the students re -evaluate the educational paths,” said Marino. “Does a traditional four -year -old college fit me?”
The proposal, which also forwards more financial aid for training programs for workers, passed the house last week and is now waiting for measures in the Senate.
