Today’s Students Coalition and 100 organizations, institutions, and advocates sent a letter to Congressional leadership with one goal as they consider the budget reconciliation package: urge leaders to support the postsecondary success of today’s students by avoiding harmful cuts to financial aid and public benefits.

Projections for 2031 imply that 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education. Further, 42% of all jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree and 29% of jobs will require some postsecondary training or an associate degree. The American workforce must be adequately prepared to meet employers’ current and growing hiring needs. Investing in postsecondary education and students’ basic needs is an investment in the future success of the American economy.

To prioritize a strong American workforce and economy through the support of postsecondary student success, the letter asks the following considerations throughout the budget reconciliation process:

• Protect Pell Grants
• Protect Student Loans
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)
• Preserve Federal Programs that Support College Completion
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid

Today’s students include 37% who are older than 25, 49% who are financially independent, and 24% who are parenting students to build opportunities for their families.

Policies that contribute to degree completion for students who choose to pursue postsecondary education will broaden their career prospects, reduce the likelihood they will need public assistance in their lifetime, and build a competitive economy.

READ OUR LETTER