Brief Simplifying Federal Student Aid: A Closer Look at Pell Formulas with Two Inputs
Kim S. Rueben, Sarah Gault, Sandy Baum
Display Date
File
File
Download
(537.52 KB)

This brief builds on work that examines replacing the current formula for calculating Pell grant eligibility with one that uses only a few family characteristics. Using data from the 2011–12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, we compare our original two-factor model with Financial Aid Simplification and Transparency Act legislation, both of which calculate grants based on income and family size. We address equity concerns for small families with children by exploring further changes to the formula. We can make aid more transparent and predictable for students before college enrollment and can address possible concerns raised from simplification with small tweaks.

Research and Evidence Work, Education, and Labor Tax and Income Supports
Expertise Taxes and the Economy K-12 Education Higher Education Workforce Development
Tags Higher education School funding Beyond high school: Education and training Higher Education Act