Full-Time School or No Pell Grants? The Dilemma for Community College Students

A proposed bill, nicknamed the "Big Beautiful Bill, " is causing quite a stir among community college students. The main issue? It wants to make Pell Grants, a crucial financial aid program, harder to get. Specifically, it would require students to take more classes to qualify. Pell Grants are a big deal for many students. They help cover tuition costs, which average around $4, 050 a year at community colleges. Without this aid, many students might have to drop out or take on more debt. The bill would increase the number of credit hours needed to qualify from 12 to 15 per semester. That might not sound like a lot, but for students who work, have families, or face other challenges, it could be a major obstacle. The bill is part of a larger effort to cut government spending and taxes. It's already passed in the House and is now being considered by the Senate. If it becomes law, hundreds of thousands of students could lose their grants. That's a big deal, especially since community colleges are often the first step towards higher education for many low- to middle-income students. Students are speaking out about the potential impact. Maria Baez, a student at the Community College of Philadelphia, says she might have to drop out if the bill passes. She relies on her Pell Grant to afford school and doesn't have a backup plan. Meanwhile, Michael Weaver, a student at Stanly Community College, points out that many students attend community college because it allows them to go at their own pace. The bill would also eliminate subsidized federal loans, which could mean more debt for students. This has some experts worried. Astra Taylor, co-founder of the Debt Collective, says it will be much harder for students to pay off their loans with these changes. On the other side, supporters of the bill argue that it will save the government money and reduce the burden on taxpayers. However, critics say it could make it even harder for low-income students to access education and improve their lives. Lakina Mabins, a recent graduate from Kennedy King College, shares her story. She's a mother of five who worked two jobs before school. She couldn't take out loans due to her credit score, so Pell Grants were her only option. She's concerned that the bill will make it harder for people like her to better themselves. Community colleges play a vital role in helping students enter the middle class. But with rising costs and potential changes to financial aid, many students are facing an uncertain future. It's a complex issue, but one thing is clear: the decisions made now will have a big impact on students for years to come.