FY2026 Education Bill Preserves Pell at $7,395 and Blocks Fund Transfers
March 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
The FY2026 Labor, HHS, Education appropriations bill delivers $79 billion in discretionary funding to the Department of Education — a $217 million increase over FY2025 — while including a provision that prevents education funding from being transferred to other federal agencies.
Pell Grants and Student Aid Survive Proposed Cuts
The maximum Pell Grant award remains at $7,395 for the 2026–2027 academic year, rejecting the administration's proposal to reduce it by more than $1,000 per student. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and Federal Work-Study programs received flat funding — not growth, but a refusal to cut programs that millions of students rely on.
The bill also preserved funding for programs supporting HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges, providing increases despite Justice Department claims questioning the constitutionality of race-conscious funding programs. TRIO and GEAR UP, which serve low-income and first-generation students, similarly survived intact.
The Anti-Transfer Provision
A notable addition to this year's bill is language preventing the Department of Education from redirecting appropriated funds to other federal agencies. This directly addresses concerns that arose after the administration explored moving education dollars to other departments — a maneuver that would have bypassed congressional spending authority.
The Institute of Education Sciences received $790 million, more than triple the administration's $261 million request, signaling continued bipartisan support for education research infrastructure.
What Education Grant Seekers Should Do Now
Flat funding means existing programs continue but new launches are unlikely this fiscal year. Institutions relying on Title I, IDEA, or other foundational K-12 programs can plan with reasonable confidence through September 2026.
For higher education researchers, the IES funding at $790 million maintains a robust pipeline for education research grants. Applicants should monitor the IES website for FY2026 competition announcements, which typically open in spring. The $790 million figure — triple what the administration wanted — suggests Congress views education research as a priority worth defending.
Detailed analysis of education grant programs and upcoming deadlines is available on the Granted blog.