A new National College Attainment Network report shows FAFSA simplification produced a sharp rise in Pell Grant eligibility, with roughly 1.5 million additional students qualifying for the maximum award this academic year compared with the prior cycle. NCAN tallies a 27% increase in maximum Pell eligibility over two years and credits simplified forms for the jump, alongside higher FAFSA completions and college enrollment in the 2026–27 cycle. NCAN officials and the Office for Federal Student Aid data cited in the report highlight the policy’s immediate reach but also warn of looming funding constraints: Pell’s discretionary appropriation is expected to remain flat for fiscal 2026, which would erode purchasing power if costs continue to rise. Higher-education finance officers, financial-aid offices and enrollment managers should weigh the near-term boost in access against the longer-term risk of award exhaustion and price erosion for students.