Student Debt: Denying the American Dream

Over the past 20 years, federal investment in higher education has decreased significantly. The maximum Pell Grant award used to cover over 60% of the average tuition and fees. Today, the average award covers just 33% of those cost. Student loans, both federal and private, represent a much greater percentage of a student's financial aid package. In the past year alone, we have seen the largest cuts in the history of the student loan program, totaling $12.7 billion and the average Pell Grant award has decreased approximately $120.