Pell grant form

Time to revamp outdated Pell Grant rules

There's no law that says it has to take four years to get a bachelor's degree. But the law does say that students who complete degrees in less time are not eligible for as much federal student financial assistance. With the Higher Education Act up for reauthorization this year, Congress has the opportunity to address this troubling inequity, and in turn, improve the lives of many college students.

Pell Grants, among the government's most important higher education grant programs, provide college students a maximum of $4,050 per year, regardless of the pace at which they work toward degrees. For students who complete college in the traditional four years, this can mean more than $16,000 in grant aid. But for students who compress their workload and graduate in three years, it means only about $12,000 -- even though they'll likely incur the same overall tuition costs as their four-year counterparts. Why should hard work be penalized?

Since Pell Grants were introduced, the higher education landscape has changed significantly, necessitating an adjustment in how the federal government determines grant eligibility. The change is perhaps most pronounced in the explosion of non-traditional college students -- such as working professionals, parents and first- generation Americans -- who are returning to school or enrolling in college for the first time. Non-traditional students now account for 73 percent of the higher education population. In addition, more and more students -- particularly the burgeoning number of immigrants and first-generation college students -- are seeking career-oriented higher education programs. They want to obtain degrees as quickly as possible in order to begin earning a living.

This phenomenon affects all higher education institutions, but particularly career-oriented schools that have organized their curriculum to meet the needs of a diverse range of students. DeVry University, for example, which has 68 locations in 20 states and Canada, offers classes year-round on a three-semester schedule, enabling students to earn bachelor's degrees in three years or less. The intense academic calendar requires a level of commitment that some may regard as atypical. However, highly motivated students, who are eager to complete degrees and join the work force, can benefit from the rigor of uninterrupted study and the accelerated schedule. And for those facing challenges and pressures in their lives, being able to begin earning a living a year sooner can have tremendous advantages.

Many of today's college students are financially strapped and require aid to get through school. Funds not obtained from grants or scholarships must come in the form of student loans -- resulting in an enormous, long-term debt burden on those who can least afford it. Simply put, needy students who are willing to attend college year- round should not be disadvantaged.

Under the current system, Pell Grants pay for only two academic semesters per year. This means students who enroll in a third semester have no Pell Grant to help pay their tuition. Providing a third semester Pell Grant would benefit all students, including gifted students attending traditional colleges. With an additional Pell Grant, anyone who wishes to accelerate their coursework could continue studies year-round and graduate in three years. Any budgetary impact of year-round grants would be more than offset by the prospect of students entering the work force -- and the tax rolls -- sooner.

Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act provides a significant opportunity to effect change that reflects today's educational realities. An important first step would be to implement a three- semester Pell Grant pilot project that includes a diverse cross- section of higher education institutions. If successful, the program should be expanded.

With America facing great challenges at home and abroad, education provides an essential backbone -- one that should be supported and continuously strengthened. Ensuring and expanding access to higher education must be a top priority. We urge members of Congress to act now to help make this possible.

Jerry Dill is regional vice president of DeVry University.