With Pell Program in Peril, Advocates Weigh Overhaul

By Kelly Field

Washington

If there's one thing Republicans and President Obama agree on in this election year, it's this: The Pell Grant program is in peril, its future threatened by rising costs and looming shortfalls. They differ, however, on what to do about it.

House Republicans, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the Budget Committee, have proposed tightening eligibility for the awards, ending the in-school interest subsidy on Stafford loans made to undergraduates, and canceling a