Press Releases
The Pell Institute Releases 2026 Indicators Report Warning U.S. Higher Education Progress Is Stalling
The 2026 Indicators report reveals that while bachelor’s degree attainment has increased across all income groups over the past five decades, profound inequities persist, with students from the highest-income families earning bachelor’s degrees at rates more than four times higher than students from the lowest-income families, underscoring that access to higher education in America remains far from equitable.
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The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically examine the issues affecting educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. Learn more about the Pell Institute, including our mission, purpose, goals, and history.
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Discover cutting-edge research findings and participate in engaging discussions on topics ranging from access and affordability to student success and retention.