Total Undergraduate Student Aid by Source and Type (in billions), 2016-17
Source: College Board
AAU urges Congress to support a maximum Pell Grant award of $6,230 in FY19 as well as five percent real growth for other federal student aid programs.
Robust support for federal student aid is key to strengthening the nation’s skilled workforce, innovative capacity, and economic competitiveness. The federal government has long played a pivotal role in ensuring individuals are able to pursue their post-secondary education goals. That commitment has helped previous generations afford college and attain their educational and career goals. Maintaining this commitment is now even more critical since nearly all new jobs created in our economy require some post-secondary education.
AAU urges Congress to provide five percent real growth for other federal student aid programs that provide much-needed grants and work-study to low- and middle-income students, improving their chances of graduating. For FY19, AAU recommends the following:
- At least $896 million for Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG);
- At least $1.206 billion for Federal WorkStudy (FWS); and
- At least $41 million for the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program.