A nonpartisan budget watchdog warns the Pell Grant program will face a decade‑long shortfall—an estimated $61 billion over 10 years—even after a $10.5 billion one‑time appropriation. The expansion of Workforce Pell in reconciliation increases projected costs, with estimates adding $2–$6 billion. Separately, a survey by the Institute for College Access & Success finds roughly one in five federal borrowers are delinquent or in default, heightening fears of a looming “default cliff.” Together the projections create pressure on policymakers to shore up Pell funding, tighten program accountability, or make benefit tradeoffs that could reshape access for low‑income students.