A federal aid overhaul produced a sharp jump in need-based aid eligibility: the FAFSA simplification changes have pushed roughly 1.7 million additional students into maximum Pell Grant eligibility, according to analysis of Office of Federal Student Aid data cited by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). NCAN’s figures show a 27% increase in maximum Pell recipients for the 2025–26 award cycle, plus broad gains in FAFSA completion and overall Pell-eligibility metrics. The development follows the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act and reflects changes to the form and eligibility criteria that took full effect this award cycle. NCAN and the O.F.S.A. data also show a dramatic rise in minimum Pell eligibility—from the tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands—raising concerns about how long current Pell funding levels will stretch amid increased demand. Institutions and financial-aid offices should expect higher demand for counseling and verification services as enrollment decisions and award packaging respond to the sudden eligibility expansion. Advocates warn that without concurrent increases in Pell funding, colleges could face budget pressure and students may see awards erode in real terms.