Top Amounts on the Rise
The maximum Pell Grant has nearly doubled over the past decade. Many student advocates and higher education officials say that despite the rise in spending, the top grants cover a smaller percentage of tuition and fees than they once did.
Rising Demand
The number of applicants for Pell Grants has surged in recent years. In its 2004 budget, the Bush administration assumes the number will level off slightly.
| 1996-97 | ...... 8.06 million |
| 1997-98 | ...... 8.22 million |
| 1998-99 | ...... 8.31 million |
| 1999-00 | ...... 8.53 million |
| 2000-01 | ...... 8.71 million |
| 2001-02 | ...... 9.47 million |
| 2002-03 | ...... 10.43 million |
| 2003-04 | ...... 10.63 million (projected) |
| 2004-05 | ...... 10.80 million (projected) |
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education
| 1995-96 |
...... 7.94 million |
| Award Year | Valid Applicants |
