An inflation-adjusted Pell Grant could result in about 15,000 more students completing college every year, according to new analysis from the National College Attainment Network. 

If the maximum Pell Grant had kept pace with inflation, it would be worth $8,108 today — $713 more than the current amount of $7,395, according to the analysis.

About one-third of undergraduates receive a Pell Grant, most of whom come from households earning under $40,000 a year. 

To arrive at its completion number, NCAN used research showing that every $1,000 increase in need-based grant aid is associated with a 1.5 percentage point increase in college completion. It’s a “conservative” estimate that doesn’t account for students who temporarily stop out, take fewer classes or accumulate additional debt, NCAN said.

President Donald Trump’s latest budget proposal would maintain the maximum Pell Grant level for a fourth straight year. 

One argument for increasing the Pell Grant is that its purchasing power has declined over time. It once covered the majority of the costs of attending college, but now covers less than one-third of those costs for in-state students at public universities, according to NCAN. 

Meanwhile, the cost of rent, food and transportation has grown significantly in recent years. 

📚 Read more: Broken car? Late rent? Community College of Aurora gives students help with life emergencies (via our partner Chalkbeat Colorado) 

📚 Read more: Pay rent or pay loans? Student borrowers are forced to choose. (via Open Campus) 

More than half of students who responded to a Trellis Strategies financial wellness survey said they worry about having enough money to cover monthly expenses. And the vast majority — 88% — said they have to use credit cards to pay for basic needs. 

📚 Read more: Minnesota promised free college tuition. Housing and living costs still loom large. (In partnership with MinnPost) 

Without an inflation adjustment, the value of Pell will continue to decline, NCAN and its members argued. 

Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network, said in a statement that Pell Grants make college a possibility for first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color. “When that foundation is weakened, doors don’t just narrow — they close.” 

We’re a nonprofit newsroom that relies on your support.

If dedicated local reporting on higher ed matters to you, donate to Open Campus today.

From California: Adam Echelman at our partner CalMatters has a story on yet another example of how community colleges step up to address local workforce challenges.

Before devastating wildfires last year, Los Angeles was already short about 70,000 construction workers. Now, that shortage is even more pressing. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College was one of several community colleges in the area that received state funds to try and address the gap. It will fund supplies and new curricula for students entering the construction industry, Adam reports.

From Ohio: Amy Morona at Signal Ohio used public records to show what Bowling Green State University students have to say about the climate on their campus. She cataloged the complaints they filed last year alleging misconduct and campus climate concerns.

It’s just one example of how universities are responding to accusations that they foster a culture that’s too liberal. Review what the students have to say here.

We’re a nonprofit newsroom that relies on the support of readers like you. Donate today.

Interested in reaching readers who care about higher education in communities across the country? Get in touch or request our media kit.

Please share. Forward this newsletter to colleagues, family, and friends who might be interested. They can sign up for their own copy here.

Run a newsroom and want to improve your coverage of higher ed? Let’s talk.

Got a story tip or a question? Please send it along.