For millions of students, going to college is not only about earning admission; it is also about being able to afford the full cost of attendance. Tuition, housing, food, textbooks, transportation, and other daily expenses can make higher education feel out of reach, especially for students from low-income and middle-income families. Federal aid programs such as the Pell Grant and Federal Work-Study help reduce these financial barriers by making college more accessible and manageable. 

In my own college experience, support from the Pell Grant and Federal Work-Study helped make it possible for me to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Because community college tuition and fees are low, I did not use federal student aid throughout my time at Chabot College. However, knowing that federal and state support would be available after I transferred gave me the confidence to pursue UCLA as a realistic option. This aid influenced my ability to choose UCLA over other schools I was considering because it reduced the financial pressure that often comes with transferring from a community college to a four-year university. Because of the generous financial aid package I received, I was able to stay in California, attend the school that best fit my academic goals, and focus less on the cost of college. Instead of worrying constantly about how I would pay for my education, I could put more energy into adjusting to UCLA, engaging with campus life, building my academic confidence, and making the most of my overall college experience. 

Across the country, millions of students rely on Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study to help make college affordable. Although the programs work in different ways, both are designed to expand access to higher education.  

The Pell Grant provides need-based financial assistance that generally does not have to be repaid. For the 2024–25 award year, the maximum Pell Grant was $7,395, although the amount each student receives depends on financial need, enrollment status, and other factors (Congressional Research Service). This support can make a significant difference because the cost of college extends beyond tuition. For example, the average annual student budget for an in-state student attending a community college was approximately $21,320 in 2025–26, including tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses (College Board). During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 7 million students received Pell Grants, and the federal government distributed about $40 billion through the program (U.S. Government Accountability Office). This level of participation shows how central federal aid is to college affordability for students nationwide. 

Without Pell Grants, millions of students would face a larger financial gap when paying for college.  Students would have to take out additional student loans, work more hours, rely more heavily on family support, or reconsider attending college altogether. Replacing grant aid with loans would also shift more of the financial burden onto students, potentially leaving them with more debt after graduation.  

The House Appropriations bill for education in FY27 provided a welcome $50 increase for the maximum Pell Grant program and provided funding to stop the shortfall. Unfortunately, the bill would pay for this by making many other cuts to higher education. 

Federal Work-Study provides financial assistance in a different way. Instead of giving students money upfront, the program allows eligible students to earn wages through part-time employment, often on campus or with approved community organizations. During the 2023–24 academic year, approximately481,552 studentsparticipatedin Federal Work-Study, with about$1.1 billionin available funding (U.S. Department of Education). The program can help students cover everyday expenses while also giving them opportunities to develop professional skills. For example, a student might work in an office on campus, research department, library, or nonprofit organization while earning money to support their education. Research shows that Work-Study participants are more likely than their peers to persist, graduate, and earn good jobs than nonparticipants (Community College Research Center at Columbia University). 

Similarly, slashing Work-Study would remove an important source of income and employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands of students, as proposed by the House Appropriations Committee in its FY2027 funding bill. Students who currently rely on Work-Study might have to find other jobs, possibly in positions that are less flexible with their academic schedules. They would also lose opportunities to gain professional experience while earning money. Although Work-Study represents a smaller portion of overall financial aid, it still connects college's affordability with workforce preparation.   

Ultimately, Pell Grants and Work-Study address different parts of the college affordability challenge. Together, these programs make higher education more accessible for students who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Without them, many students would face higher debt, greater financial pressure, or additional barriers to attending college. Programs such as Pell Grants and Work-Study remain important tools for expanding access to college.

Lawrence Ochea is a 2026 Summer Public Policy Intern with ACCT.  He earned an Associate’s degree from Chabot College and is pursuing his B.A. from UCLA.