Expanding Access to Graduate Education Act of 2021

Expanding Access to Graduate Education Act of 2021

This bill allows income-eligible graduate students who received Pell Grants during their undergraduate education to utilize their remaining Pell Grant eligibility toward their first graduate degree, subject to the existing 12-semester duration limit. Currently, Pell Grants are available only to undergraduate students.

Bill 117 HR 4002, also known as the Expanding Access to Graduate Education Act of 2021, aims to increase access to graduate education for students from low-income backgrounds. The bill proposes to provide financial assistance to students pursuing graduate degrees in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as other high-demand fields.

Under this legislation, eligible students would receive grants to cover tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with graduate education. The bill also includes provisions to support mentoring and professional development opportunities for students, with the goal of increasing diversity and representation in graduate programs.

Additionally, the Expanding Access to Graduate Education Act of 2021 seeks to address the rising cost of graduate education by providing loan forgiveness options for students who commit to working in underserved communities or in high-need fields after completing their degrees. Overall, this bill aims to make graduate education more accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds, with the ultimate goal of increasing diversity and representation in high-demand fields.