Celebrating 50 Years of the Pell Grant

Written by President Jo Allen

On June 23, 2022, and beyond, Meredith College joins the national recognition of the 50th birthday of the Pell Grant, a model of bipartisan support that encourages our nation’s neediest students to pursue and complete a college education.  We are grateful to lawmakers who re-affirmed that bipartisan support with a resolution marking the Pell Grant’s 50th year.

Here are some important facts about the Pell Grant, its recipients, and potential eligibility:

• More than 80 million low- and middle-income students have received Pell Grants since 1972.  Currently, nearly seven million of our nation’s students use these federal grants to help access and attain a higher education. 
• Nearly 90% of Pell Grant dollars go to students with a total family income below $50,000. 
• Nearly 60% of Black students and roughly half of American Indian or Alaska Native and Hispanic students receive a Pell Grant each year. 
• About half of student parents and first-generation college students are Pell recipients.
• Nearly 40% of student veterans are Pell recipients.

Wondering if you could be eligible for the Pell Grant?

To be considered for Pell, complete the Free Application for Federal (FAFSA) at FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid.  (And if your financial circumstances have changed because of COVID, there is a process for reconsideration.)  When Meredith receives your processed FAFSA, the Financial Assistance office will review it for Pell Grant eligibility and provide the amount on your aid offer letter. If you have questions about the FAFSA and the aid process, please connect with the Financial Assistance Office at 919-760-8565 or Financial Assistance -Meredith College.

Please join me in thanking our legislators for their ongoing support for Pell. We encourage even greater investments in helping students find their “best fit” college that will open doors to brighter futures and the many ways research shows that college enhances life skills, personal satisfaction, and community benefits.