What are Pell Grants and who do they benefit?

For decades, Pell Grants have made covering the cost of college possible for millions of low- and middle-income families. These federal grants, offered since the 1973-1974 school year, are effectively free funding that those with significant financial need can apply towards higher education costs, with no obligation of repayment.

But if President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill comes to pass, that funding could face major cuts, with steeper eligibility criteria and lower maximum amounts.