Double the Pell
Since it was created in 1972, the federal Pell Grant has helped low-income students pay for higher education. Join us in telling Congress to reinvest in this important program.
Pledge to help make college attainable for all
Pell Grants go further at UC
“As a first-generation student, the Pell Grant has been pivotal in my access to a college education. It has helped ease the burden of my student loans and helped me better provide for my needs while I pursue my degree.”
Henry “Adrian” Rozo
UC Davis, 2025
Share your story
By sharing your Pell story you can help us in our fight to make higher education attainable for all.
Today the Pell Grant covers only a fraction of the cost of college
And it falls far short of what students need to succeed. That's why we're calling on Congress to double the Pell Grant, so it reaches a maximum award of $13,000.
It’s time for federal lawmakers to reinvest in this important program, a move that will:
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Ease the student loan burden — nearly 7 million students receive Pell Grants nationally each year, but few can rely on it to fully finance their degree.
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Help students meet their basic needs — too many students struggle to pay for food, housing and health care. More Pell funding can help.
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Expand financial aid to more students — greater federal support for Pell will enable colleges and universities to stretch their own aid funding to more families.
Resources
Double the Pell Fact Sheet (PDF)
Pell Grants pay off in brighter futures and a stronger California. Learn about UC’s efforts.
Download this this helpful guide and share your support for doubling Pell.
UCSA and leading advocates share advocacy tips, actions and resources you can take.
Receive emails from the UC Student Association and learn more about the student effort to Double the Pell.
News
UC calls on California congressional members to increase Pell to $13,000 (PDF)
November 22, 2022
Pell Grant students are doing all they can; they deserve our support
September 20, 2021
Growing national movement urges Congress to reinvest in Pell Grants
March 25, 2021
UC students call on federal lawmakers to increase financial aid
February 24, 2021
Double the Pell is a partnership between the University of California and the UC Student Association to call on Congress to increase its investment in the federal Pell Grant.