The nation’s largest grant program, the original Pell Grant of $5000, is increasing in the fall to $5350 maybe even $5550 due to the new Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act passed by the house.

The Pell Grant is considered the foundation of federal aid for lower income students enrolling in a college or university. This grant helps pay for many students’ school necessities and tuition.

The Pell Grant can now cover a third of school tuition, fees, or even housing.
President Obama took this as an opportunity to invest in students future by making education more affordable in hopes to build a future with a skilled workforce to face this economy and all at no cost to the taxpayers.

“It is a really good thing for students in this rough economy to get a little bit extra money for their books and classes,” said Jamie Quiroz, supervisor for the financial aid department.

Ramon Reyes, Computer Science and Technology major said, “This is awesome but the max right now is like 5000 but it doesn’t mean I’m getting it all, but it still is better than no increase at all.”

“This increase could really help pay for those books, I think this is good change”, Erin Johnson, animation major.

Although some may be enthusiastic about the increase in funds, others feel that this increase is not necessary.

Amber Myers, undecided major said, “It seems like Financial Aid students already get more than enough for books and classes and even sometimes have money left over.”

To see if you qualify for the Pell Grant or any other type of grant is fill out a FAFSA application. For further assistance you can visit or call the Financial Aid office at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2397 or go online to the application itself. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov