Pell Grants continued during Trump's presidency, but funding and may be able to access rules changed

Pell Grants were not stopped under the Trump administration (2017–2021). The program remained active and students continued to receive awards. However, several policy changes affected how much money was available, who could receive it, and what students could use it for.

The most significant change was the elimination of year-round Pell Grants in 2018. Before that, students could receive a Pell Grant for two separate periods within a single academic year — for example, one for fall and spring semesters, and another for a summer session. The Trump administration ended this practice, limiting students to one Pell Grant per academic year. This reduced the total amount some students could receive annually.

Funding levels themselves did not increase during this period. The maximum Pell Grant award stayed relatively flat, meaning its purchasing power decreased as college costs rose. Congress, not the president, controls the total Pell Grant budget, so while the administration proposed various changes, the overall program size was determined by legislative action.

Key Takeaways

  • Pell Grants remained available throughout the Trump administration, but year-round awards (two periods per academic year) were eliminated in 2018.
  • Students became limited to one Pell Grant per academic year instead of potentially two, reducing annual aid for some recipients.
  • Maximum award amounts did not increase during this period, though Congress controls the budget, not the president.
  • The program resumed year-round Pell Grants under the Biden administration in 2023, restoring the option for students to receive multiple awards per year.

The year-round Pell Grant change and what it meant

Year-round Pell Grants allowed students to receive two separate awards within one academic year. A student might receive one award for fall and spring semesters, then a second award for summer classes. This was particularly useful for students trying to graduate faster or those attending year-round programs.

When the Trump administration eliminated this option in 2018, students could no longer split their annual Pell Grant into two periods. Instead, they received one lump award per academic year, regardless of how many terms they attended. For students who had been using summer sessions to accelerate their degree, this meant less federal aid available to cover those costs.

The stated reason for the change was to reduce federal spending. The Department of Education estimated the elimination would save money by reducing the total number of awards paid out. However, it also meant students had fewer options for how to structure their education timeline.

Maximum award amounts during the Trump years

The maximum Pell Grant award in 2017–2018 was $5,920. By 2020–2021, it had increased slightly to $6,345, but this increase was modest compared to rising college costs. Congress sets the maximum award amount through the annual appropriations process, so while the Trump administration could propose changes, lawmakers ultimately decided the funding level.

The purchasing power of Pell Grants declined during this period because college tuition and fees grew faster than the grant maximum. A student whose total cost of attendance was $10,000 per year could cover more of it with a Pell Grant in 2010 than in 2020, even though the dollar amount had increased slightly.

Other policy changes affecting Pell Grant recipients

The Trump administration proposed changes to income verification and simplified application processes, though not all were implemented. One proposal would have changed how the government calculated a family's expected contribution to college costs, potentially affecting who received Pell Grants and how much they received.

The administration also supported work-study program changes and proposed modifications to how students could use federal aid at different types of institutions. These proposals faced congressional opposition and did not all become law, but they reflected the administration's approach to federal student aid policy.

What changed after Trump left office

The Biden administration restored year-round Pell Grants in 2023, allowing students once again to receive two separate awards within a single academic year. This reversed the 2018 elimination and expanded aid availability for students attending multiple terms per year.

Congress also increased the maximum Pell Grant award in subsequent years. The 2023–2024 maximum was $7,395, representing growth beyond what occurred during the Trump years. These changes reflected different priorities in federal student aid policy.

How to find current Pell Grant information

Pell Grant rules and funding levels change each academic year. The Federal Student Aid office (studentaid.gov) publishes current award amounts, may be able to access requirements, and application deadlines. Your school's financial aid office can also tell you what Pell Grants are available for your specific situation and how much you may receive.

If you are reviewing your financial aid history or trying to understand past awards you received, your FAFSA records and award letters from your school show exactly what you were offered and when. These documents are the most reliable source for understanding what happened during any particular year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did I lose Pell Grant money because of Trump's policies?

If you were a student between 2018 and 2021 and had planned to use summer Pell Grants, you would have received less total aid than you would have under the year-round system. Your school's financial aid office can review your specific awards and explain how the year-round elimination affected your aid package during those years.

Can I get back Pell Grant money I didn't receive?

No. Past policy changes do not result in retroactive payments. However, if you are currently a student, you may now receive year-round Pell Grants under current rules. Contact your financial aid office to understand your current award options.

Are Pell Grants still available now?

Yes. Pell Grants remain available to undergraduate students who meet income and other requirements. Maximum award amounts and may be able to access rules change each year, so check studentaid.gov or your school's financial aid office for current information about what you may receive.

What is the difference between a Pell Grant and a loan?

Pell Grants are assistance programs you do not have to repay. Federal student loans must be repaid with interest. Both can help pay for college, but grants reduce the amount you need to borrow.