The Power of the Pell Grant to Affect Black Enrollment in Higher Education

The Capstone team evaluated the influence of the Pell Grant on the enrollment of Black students in higher education institutions in 16 southern states, from 1988 to 1998. The Pell Grant is a federally funded program enacted in 1972 to provide basic tuition assistance to students enrolled in higher education programs. The Pell is a need-based grant that can be applied to degree and certificate programs at both two- and four-year colleges and universities. The program was designed to increase attendance by minority and low-income students. The impact of the Pell Grant Program on Black enrollment rates was examined, as were additional factors that may influence enrollment including income levels, tuition costs, and other sources of financial aid, including grants and loans.