Western Illinois University Pell Grant Recipients May Qualify for a $30 Monthly Credit Toward the Cost of Internet Service

$30 federal Affordable Connectivity Program credit would cover the cost of Internet Essentials, making broadband access free for eligible students

September 1, 2022 –Western Illinois University students who receive Pell Grants may be automatically eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly $30 credit toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile service. The $30 ACP credit can be used to cover the cost of Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus, Comcast programs that provide broadband Internet service, including a modem and access to millions of WiFi hotspots,  to eligible low-income college students receiving Pell Grants, as well as households with grammar and high school students, seniors, veterans, public housing residents, people with disabilities and others enrolled in an array of government assistance programs.

According to a national study by Educationdata.org, 34% of undergraduate students nationwide – or around 6.2 million students – received Pell Grants in the 2020-2021 school year – nearly 265,000 in Illinois alone.

“The cost of college today is out of reach for many Americans. Low-income students need help not only with tuition, they need help with related costs, including Internet service,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “The ACP is a lifeline for these students, and Comcast is proud to participate in it and help college students get online.”

For more information about ACP and Internet Essentials, visit xfinity.com/acp.