Pennsylvania students testified at a congressional hearing on college affordability chaired by Senator Robert P. Casey (above) in Sullivan Hall yesterday. Last month, the House passed a bill to overhaul financial aid, including an increase in Pell grant funding. The Pell grant program is the largest source of financial aid financed by the federal government.

“A principle concern for many of us is doing everything possible to make sure that every American who wants to go to college can do so in a way that’s affordable,” said Casey.

Students who testified said that the top two challenges they face are having to work long hours at part-time jobs and being overwhelmed by out-of-pocket costs, such as books, rent and gas. Given the current economic realities, they said, many families also struggle to keep the amount of student loan debt manageable.

Tony Wagner, Temple’s senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, was among the higher education officials who testified. Temple is a big recipient of Pell grant funding, he said. This year alone, due to the federal stimulus package, the number of Temple students receiving Pell grants increased by 1,000, and the amount of Pell grant funding the university received increased by $6 million.

The hearing was held as the U.S. Senate prepares to introduce a higher education reconciliation bill.