The Pell Grant—the backbone of the nation’s college financial aid system—is facing a funding shortfall at the exact moment students need it most. Even as college enrollment rebounds, the program is projected to face a $2.7 billion deficiency by the end of the fiscal year. As part of the ongoing budget reconciliation process, both the House and Senate have proposed $10.5 billion to stabilize Pell, a crucial step in keeping it solvent.

On Tuesday, the Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” sending it back to the House. But the House’s version of the bill comes with some unexpected—and troubling—strings attached that could put college out of reach for millions of students. Lawmakers have proposed increasing the number of credits Pell recipients must take each year, potentially cutting billions in Pell Grant funds and disproportionately hurting working students and students with families.

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For decades, the Pell Grant has served as the cornerstone........

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