Appropriators Reject White House Cuts to Higher Education in FY 2026 Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, appropriators released a bipartisan, bicameral compromise for fiscal year (FY) 2026 that maintains funding for essential financial aid and student support programs, including the Pell Grant program, TRIO, and the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) Program. Rejecting massive cuts proposed by the White House, the bill closely aligns with the Senate FY26 proposal that The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) applauded last summer.

If passed, the bill would:

• Maintain the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395 for the 2026-2027 award year, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to slash the award by more than $1,000;
• Sustain funding for TRIO and GEAR UP at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate funding for both programs;
• Protect programs funded through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), including $45 million for PSSG and $10 million for the Basic Needs Grant Program, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding;
• Sustain funding for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding;
• Sustain funding for the Federal Work Study (FWS) and Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) programs at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding;
• Increase funding over FY2025 levels for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs); and
• Via an explanatory statement, provide clear direction on congressional intent for programmatic level spending, which will help to alleviate confusion regarding higher education grant opportunities that resulted from a lack of clarity in FY2025.

The following statement can be attributed to Jessica Thompson, Interim President and Executive Vice President at TICAS:

“In contrast to the deep cuts and program eliminations proposed to Congress by the White House, this bill reflects an important bipartisan, bicameral commitment to existing federal support for students and the long-standing, effective higher education programs that serve them.

“The bill also takes steps to address the administration’s unilateral attempts to dismantle the Education Department, requiring congressional reporting on improper transfers and staffing. We urge strong additional action to re-affirm the Department’s standing and key statutory function as the administration’s actions to dismantle it pose serious risks to students and taxpayers.

“Overall, we appreciate appropriators’ commitment to maintaining funding for key programs and urge the bill’s quick passage. We also urge lawmakers to ensure future bills include much-needed increases for financial aid and student support programs—especially for the Pell Grant program, which is at risk of a funding shortfall absent additional investment.”