The Government Accountability Office reported that the FAFSA Simplification Act has met key goals for federal aid access, including higher Pell eligibility and a larger share of students receiving the maximum award. In the 2024–25 academic year, nearly 10 million students were Pell-eligible, up 6% from the year prior. GAO data show nearly 8 million students were eligible for the maximum Pell Grant of $7,395, up 31% from 2023–24. GAO also found that much of the increase flowed to middle- and upper-middle-income families, with eligibility gains concentrated for household income between $60,001 and $125,000. The report was requested by Rep. Bobby Scott. The GAO said the simpler FAFSA rollout faced technical issues and delays in early 2024, but after two more admissions cycles, the new form appears to be working as intended. Scott said Congress took decisive action in 2020 and that the results confirm reforms are delivering for students and families. The report also flagged fiscal pressure: the expanded Pell participation has left the program short “billions” of dollars, and Congress is likely to need an additional $17 billion this year to prevent cuts to eligibility.