One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Pell Grant Changes
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. For students, families, and institutions like Northeastern State University, this bill results in significant changes to federal aid (Title IV) programs. Some of those changes impact Pell Grant eligibility.
Important Disclaimer
- Northeastern State University does not have the ability to grant exceptions to federal regulations, including those concerning enrollment, Legacy provisions, or federal loan eligibility.
- This information is based on the current understanding as they relate to federal student financial aid and can be subject to change with little notice. We will continue to update this page as additional guidance is received from the U.S. Department of Education.
Pell Grant Changes
Pell Grants & Full Scholarships
- Students whose Cost of Attendance (COA) is fully covered by non-federal aid will no longer be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. This means if a student’s non-federal aid (scholarships, outside resources, gifts) is at or above the student’s Cost of Attendance, they are not eligible for the Pell Grant.
Ends the previous allowance for Pell Grants to exceed COA when combined with other aid
- Example: A Pell-eligible student with a scholarship covering the full Cost of Attendance will no longer receive both the scholarship and the Pell Grant
Pell Grants & High Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Students with an SAI greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will be ineligible for any Pell Grant
- Example: If the max Pell Grant is $7,395, students with an SAI over $14,790 will not qualify