Speaking of common sense and the federal government — a topic that sometimes seems all too difficult to discuss with a straight face — a change is being made in the Pell Grant program, which helps low-income college students.

Pell Grants now will be available to help with the cost of taking college classes during the summer. The change was included in a spending bill approved by Congress.

Previously, students could get Pell Grants only for fall and spring semester classes. It apparently occurred to some in Congress, as it no doubt has too many frustrated with the program, that attending summer school classes could get students out of college sooner. Some could cut full years off the time they spend on campus. For some, picking up a class or two in the summer could be the difference between graduating on time and having to sign up for another semester, with all the attendant costs, including room and board, that go with attendance.

By giving students more options, the government might save money, too. But, even with safeguards to ensure summer school grants are not misused, the idea was rejected in the past, except for a brief period from 2009-11.

As long as the change does not add to the total cost of the Pell Grant program, it seems like a good idea. Now, of course, Congress will have to monitor the program closely to ensure that is not allowed to happen. At the first indication the bureaucrats are spoiling a good thing for all involved by using the expanded grants as a way to dig deeper into taxpayers’ pockets, the change ought to be rescinded.