Pell50thBirthdayAMA

Thank you for your comment. As of a few years ago, more than 80 million Americans had received a Pell Grant. It is certainly many millions of more now. People have told me how it helped them go to college and build their careers.

My grandfather's vision for the Pell Grant was that it be a grant for this reason. He was concerned about loans and believed that grants, provided to people who needed them, would help people build or get a fresh start on life.

You did the hard work! Thank you for your comment and have a good evening.

Thank you so much for the question. A lot of people have shared with me over the years the difference the Pell Grant made in their lives. And you're right -- more could be done to meet the rising costs of college. But the first thing I would say is not to forget the impact that these grants are still having. Every dollar really does matter to students who need them.

Thank you so much for the question. The cost of higher education has definitely increased much faster than the grant. That said, I think it is worth keeping in mind that many many millions of Americans are in community colleges and relatively affordable institutions where the Pell Grant really still does cover costs. And even for more expensive schools, people tell me how every dollar still matters. But you raise good questions about the cost and that's something I'd like to think about more.