College Students Celebrate Congress' Financial Aid Hike
Bill Increases Pell Grant, Reduces Student Loan Debt for Public Service Sector Graduates
Following student loan industry abuses and egregious tuition increases, college students finally see hope for a better future. Today, Congress passed the largest overhaul of federal financial aid in decades.
The United States Student Association, America's foremost student advocacy group, and the University of California, Los Angeles mobilized students on campuses across the country, to call and remind Congress to honor their promise to the next generation.
This victory is due, in large part, to the persistent advocacy of student leaders across the country who see education as a way to strengthen democracy, boost our economy and make real the promise of America.
This landmark bill significantly boosts the Pell grant to $5,400 offering a way for working class families to afford college and access the American Dream.
"This is a good first step in making higher education more accessible but public institutions are still in a state of crisis," says USSA President Gabriel Pendas. "We look forward to working with our federal and state elected officials to make higher education accessible for every working family."
This is also a good start to healing public trust in the student loan industry.
Student debt limits options for thousands of college graduates every year. The average American graduates from college with nearly $20,000 in debt. Recent student loan scandals have scarred hardworking students and their families. The College Cost Reduction Act offers a partial solution to the current student loan crisis.
The Senate passed the College Cost Reduction Act by a vote of 79-12 and the House passed the bill by a vote of 292-97.
Founded in 1947, The United States Student Association is the country's oldest and largest student organization. If you have any questions, or need any additional help just call us in the USSA office at (202) 637-3924 or visit the new USSA website at www.usstudents.org. Thank you for all of your hard work yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
