BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Congress is considering changes to the federal Pell Grant program that could impact how much aid low-income students receive for college – including thousands of students in Alabama.

The proposal, known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act , would reduce the maximum Pell Grant from $7,395 to $5,710 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Additional provisions would tie the full award to enrollment in at least 15 credit hours per semester, and limit eligibility to students enrolled at least half-time – defined as 7.5 credit hours per semester.

The Congressional Budget Office published an analysis showing that most students will receive less Pell Grant funding if the House version stands.

These changes could influence whether low-income students are able to aff

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