While the battle over the budget rages on in Washington, summer classes at the University of South Florida are slated to begin May 16. With only a month until another semester begins for many, financial aide counselors are advising students not to count on federal Pell grants to come through for this summer session.

The possible elimination of summer Pell grants arises from a compromise between the Obama administration and Republicans over the original deal, which would have cut the maximum Pell grant amount —  $5,500 — by $445.

Pell grants are the holy grail of college funds, money from the government to go toward education that requires no repayment — no repayment other than your heartfelt patriotism and a degree, that is. Pell grants are awarded based on FAFSA and are traditionally given to low-income students.

In college, summer classes are a great way to finish your education more quickly. When President Obama passed legislation to allow for a second Pell grant disbursement, the news was music to many students' ears. For many living on a tight budget, summer classes usually require additional income because there are few loans for summer tuition. According to the New York Times' David Leonhardt, the program ended up costing more than expected.

"The government estimated the cost to be roughly 1 percent of Pell’s annual $30 billion cost in future years. Instead, many more students than expected have signed up for the program and are receiving federal grants for summer classes. In 2013, summer grants are projected to make up $5 billion of the program’s total $36 billion budget — or a whopping 14 percent."

The Republicans may seem like the grim reapers of young poor people's educational pursuits, but there are some grounds for the cuts. Many in Washington are concerned about federal dollars landing in the hands of for-profit universities.

We aren't talking public universities, community colleges or Ivy Leagues here. These are the University of Phoenix types.

According to Bloomberg News, the University of Phoenix's parent company is Apollo Group Inc. They, along with other for-profit universities, reported that Pell grants make up 25% of revenue. Apollo, the largest for-profit university, got $1 billion from Pell grants in 2009-2010.

But for many students attending school and trying to better their lives with an education, the potential cuts to summer Pell grants seem to again limit options for completing their education.

This article appears in Apr 14-20, 2011.