McSwain, Courtney. 2008. <em>Window of Opportunity: Targeting Federal Grant Aid to Students with the Lowest Incomes.</em> Washington, D.C.: Institute for Higher Education Policy.<br />
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In this study, the Institute for Higher Education Policy proposes policy changes to increase the maximum Pell Grant award for very low-income students. The report outlines the history of the Pell Grant, describes recipient demographics, and projects how increased minimum and maximum awards would affect the total number of recipients. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 raised the income threshold for a zero EFC from $20,000 to $30,000. Rather than calculating zero EFCs for all students whose families make $30,000 or less, McSwain argues that a range of EFCs below zero should be allowed. This change would require amending the Higher Education Act by modifying allowances for independent students, the calculation of student income, and the way EFC is applied to multiple students in college from the same household.<br />
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