Claiborne Pell Dies at 90

Yesterday, former Senator Claiborne Pell died at the age 90. Pell is best known for his sponsorship of the 1973 bill which created what are known today as the Pell Grants.

Originally called the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program, the federal grants provide non-repayable assistance to low-income families across the United States. Today, Pell Grants continue to help millions of students per year despite having seen little or no growth alongside the escalating costs of access.

In 2005-06, the maximum Pell grant covered one-third of the yearly cost of higher education at a public four-year institution; twenty years ago, it covered 60% of a student's cost of attendance.