March 11, 2003

Washington, D.C. — Surrounded by more than 200 college students from around the country, education advocates and Senate colleagues, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today took the Bush Administration to task for failing to provide the resources necessary to help millions of college-age students afford a college education. Dodd highlighted legislation he recently introduced to improve access to higher education for lower- and middle-income students by doubling the authorized maximum Pell Grant.

"This is another example of the administration talking a good game about education but failing to deliver on its promises," said Dodd. "Without providing students and their families with the financial assistance necessary to pay for college, far too many students are simply unable to further their education. Pell Grants are, and have been, critically important tools in making higher education a possibility for lower- and middle-income students."

Although Pell Grants are the largest source of federal grant aid for college students, their purchasing power has not kept up with college costs. In 1975, Pell grants paid for about 80 percent of the average student's tuition, fees, room and board at public universities and about 40 percent at private universities. Today, a Pell Grant covers only 38 percent of those costs at public universities and 15 percent at private universities.

Dodd's bill would amend the Higher Education Act and double the authorized maximum Pell Grant within six years, improving access to higher education and reducing the amount of loans students must take to fund their educations. Current law provides $5800 for the 2003-04 academic year. Under the Dodd bill, this amount would increase incrementally each year up to $11,600 for the 2009-10 academic year.

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Photos from the rally