“We, at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, applaud President Biden’s announcement of an
extension of the student loan pause until the end of the year and forgiveness of $20,000 in
student loans for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for all other borrowers making less than
$125,000 per year. In an era where financing a post-secondary education is an ever-increasing
challenge, particularly for students of limited fiscal means, the decision to remove this burden
from our students not only means a greater likelihood of degree completion but greater potential
to pursue careers in their chosen profession upon graduation.
Affordable post-secondary education remains the key to maintaining and expanding social and
economic mobility. Obtaining a college degree is still the most viable ticket to the middle-class.
While this decision will undoubtedly bring relief and a clear path forward to millions of borrowers
as they prepare to resume their payments, a long-term solution for affordable higher education
must now be our entire focus. President Biden’s stated goal of doubling the Pell Grant remains
the most effective way to ensure access to higher education for all Americans and we
encourage the President and Congress to continue to aggressively pursue this goal.”
Dr. Harry L. Williams
President & CEO
