Introduction
As Congress continues the important work of renewing the Higher Education Act, ¹ú²úÊÓƵ’s Higher Education Initiative is committed to supporting the interests of students, their families, and the American taxpayer through original research, analysis, and policy recommendations. The next reauthorization should not only renew legislative text, but it should also renew the very ideas and principles on which the original bill was founded.
¹ú²úÊÓƵ Us
¹ú²úÊÓƵ’s Higher Education Initiative works to make higher education more accessible, innovative, outcomes-focused, and equitable for today's students. More information on ¹ú²úÊÓƵ’s Education Policy program is available here.
Recent Updates
Our team of higher education experts periodically provides commentary and analysis on higher education-related issues ranging from FAFSA simplification to consumer protection, to student outcomes. Stay up to date on the latest analysis from our EdCentral blog.
Our Recommendations for Reauthorization
¹ú²úÊÓƵ's Higher Education Initiative recently responded to a request from Sens. Jones, Warren, Harris, and Cortez Masto to provide on how Congress can protect borrowers of color and ensure more equitable outcomes for all students of color in higher education.
We also submitted to the Senate HELP Committee for the next reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The recommendations cover a wide array of topics, including federal financial aid, accountability, and postsecondary data.
Our advocacy team provided separate on a few specific issues in response to a white paper from Chairman Alexander on accountability (gainful employment, cohort default rate, and the 90-10 rule).
To open our recommendations on borrowers of color in a new window, click .
Current Legislation
Click the links below to find higher education-related legislation (bills, resolutions, etc.) by chamber of Congress.
116th Congress:
Earlier this year, Rep. Bobby Scott introduced the ; read our thoughts on affordability, accountability, and educator preparation in the bill. And Sen. Lamar Alexander introduced the . Last year, Rep. Virginia Foxx introduced the ; check out our quick analysis, as well as our deeper dives into financial aid simplification, innovation, and accountability.
Our Resources
Higher Ed Index
Ever find yourself frustrated by having to weave together data from a number of different Department of Education sources? Same here. That’s why we made it a little easier. ¹ú²úÊÓƵ’s is the authoritative source of easily-accessible information on federal higher education data. It allows you to view higher education data over time at the institution, state, and national levels.
Higher Education Act (HEA)
Looking for text of the Higher Education? Check out this , which reflects all of the HEA reauthorizations and other legislative changes through December 2017.
The Original Higher Education Act of 1965
For text of the original Higher Education Act of 1965, click .
Past Reauthorizations
Since its inception, the Higher Education Act has only been reauthorized eight times. NOTE: this does not include stand-alone legislation, appropriations, and budget reconciliation.
Budget Reconciliation
Substantive changes to the Higher Education Act have also been made through a Congressional process called budget reconciliation.