The Big Beautiful Bill cuts Pell Grants, and this could dramatically affect Howard County and Howard Community College in particular. What are exactly Pell Grants?
Pell Grants have long been a cornerstone of college access in the U.S., especially for low-income and first-generation students. Created in 1972 and named after Senator Claiborne Pell, these need-based federal grants help students afford college without the burden of repayment. Unlike loans, Pell Grants are essentially free money—provided students meet eligibility requirements and stay enrolled.
The benefits are big: Pell Grants open doors for millions each year, reduce reliance on student loans, and expand access to community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and other institutions serving underrepresented populations. For many, they’re the difference between attending school or not.
But the program isn’t perfect. The grant amounts haven’t kept pace with rising tuition costs, and recent proposals—like those in the House’s “Big Beautiful Bill”—threaten to tighten access further. Critics argue new credit requirements could disproportionately affect part-time and working students, especially at community colleges like Howard Community College and CCBC.
Supporters say investing in Pell Grants strengthens the workforce and economy long-term. But if aid is cut, community colleges may see lower enrollment, less diversity, and increased financial strain on students. The Senate has yet to finalize its version—so the future of Pell is still unfolding.
Pell Grants have been a lifeline for low-income college students since 1972. But under the House version of Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” that lifeline could shrink—fast. The proposed legislation would cut the maximum Pell Grant by $1,685 and raise the credit requirement to 15 per semester for full eligibility. Students taking fewer than 7.5 credits? They’d be cut off entirely.
That’s a big hit to community colleges, where part-time enrollment is the norm. At Howard Community College, nearly one-third of students receive Pell Grants, and most take fewer than 12 credits. If these changes pass, many could lose federal aid and be forced to drop out—leaving HCC to absorb a potential $9.1 million revenue loss.
Critics say the House bill is a direct blow to education access. Proponents argue it's about tightening federal spending. But raising credit requirements doesn’t magically give students more time, money, or child care—it just locks them out.
The Senate’s version softens some of the blow, preserving aid for part-timers and opening Pell to short-term certifications. Still, with 68,000+ Maryland students relying on these funds, the final version of the bill could shape who gets to learn—and who gets left behind.
