With many legislative changes happening within our federal government, it’s important to learn how it could affect many college students. On July 4th, 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) was signed into law. This resulted in changes that are soon to go into effect within the next year, but there were some that went into effect immediately. 

Pell Grant eligibility has changed; the new law has redefined full-time enrollment, in order to receive the grant students must be taking 15 credits per semester; before the law it was 12 credits. This takes away the possibility for part time students to receive the Pell Grant. The OBBBA has also imposed a $100,000 cap on federal graduate students borrowing unsubsidized loans, for those working for professional degrees the cap is higher.  

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has already significantly impacted many students at the College of the Sequoias. Many of these students who are not just part-time students but also young adults who work paycheck to paycheck, single parents, unhoused students, first generation students and so many more. Many of these students have shown many worries and concerns about their educational future, not sure what they’ll do.  

Fortunately, College of the Sequoias’ offers a wide variety of financial aid and resources to help students. Some of these resources include a work study program that offers jobs to students on and off campus, scholarships issued by the school if eligible, other programs like the student success program, the Dream Center, and the Extended Opportunities Programs and Services Center (EOPS). College of the Sequoias works hard to help their students succeed in their goals with their diverse range of resources for all students.