More than 60 higher‑education and advocacy organizations urged congressional leaders to plug a projected $104 billion shortfall in the Pell Grant program over the next decade, warning the gap will strain low‑income student access and campus finances. The groups delivered formal letters this week calling for immediate appropriations to prevent benefit cuts and enrollment disruptions. Their push underscores an escalating policy fight: with federal discretionary budgets tight and student‑aid demand rising, colleges could see deeper enrollment and affordability impacts without prompt action from lawmakers. Expect more coalition letters and campus lobbying as appropriators draft budget language in coming weeks.