This page has all the bills from 119th Congress listed newest to oldest. Use CTRL+F (CMD+F for Apple users) to search for your state by abbreviation or a specific representative. Use these links to jump to specific months:

2026

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2025

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February 2026

H.R.7341 — The Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act (GRAD Act)

Topic: Institutional Grant & Incentive Programs
Sponsor: Rep. McClellan [D-VA]
Introduced: 02/04/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would expand eligibility for certain graduate education grants available to minority-serving institutions. Under Title III, Part B of the HEA, the federal government provides institutional aid to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) to strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. Sections 723 and 724 specifically authorize competitive grant programs to support graduate and professional education at HBCUs and PBIs, including master's level programs. Currently, only institutions explicitly listed in statute are eligible to receive funding under these sections. The bill would allow additional Part B institutions that offer qualified master’s degree programs, but are not already named in the statute, to qualify for these graduate program funds.

January 2026

H.R.7232 — AID Act

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Stevens [D-MI]
Introduced: 01/22/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would establish a student loan allowance for purposes of calculating the student aid index. Beginning with award year 2027–2028, eligible parents may subtract up to $4,000 or 15 percent of their outstanding federal student loan debt from their total income when determining a student’s aid eligibility, with income-based caps for high earners. The Act also requires the Department of Education to annually adjust the allowance for inflation and report to Congress on its impact, including the number of students affected and the average allowance.

H.R.7117 — Fast Track To and Through College Act

Topic: Quality & Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Olszewski [D-MD]
Introduced: 01/15/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill aims to increase college completion and reduce costs by accelerating time-to-degree, aligning high school and postsecondary education, and improving credit transfer. It establishes competitive grants for states to implement early college and early high school graduation pathways, expand access to advanced coursework, and support historically underrepresented students. The Act allows eligible high school students in these pathways to receive Pell Grants, requires reporting and evaluation of outcomes, and includes provisions to ensure federal funds supplement, not supplant, state funding.

S.3589 — RISE Act

Topic: Quality & Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 01/07/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would support students with disabilities by expanding the types of documentation colleges can accept for accommodations, requiring transparent policies and accessible information, authorizing $10 million for a national support center, and mandating aggregate reporting on disability services while protecting student privacy.

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December 2025

H.R.6862 — Protecting Health Care Workforce Pipelines Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Harder [D-CA]
Introduced: 12/18/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would delay, until July 1, 2030, both the termination of authority to award Federal Direct PLUS loans to graduate and professional students and the implementation of new loan limits for those students when they are enrolled at certain covered institutions. The delay would apply to graduate and professional programs offered by health professions schools, institutions offering health professions or qualifying nursing programs, provided the institution is located within 100 miles of a designated health professional shortage area or serves a medically underserved community. For eligible students at these covered institutions, the bill extends the current Direct PLUS loan authority and postpones the applicability of the new graduate and professional loan limits by four years, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030.

S.3538 — Student Loan Tax Elimination Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 12/17/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would eliminate origination fees on all Federal Direct Loans. The repeal would apply to Direct Loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1 following the date of enactment, as well as to Federal Direct Consolidation Loans for which the application is received on or after that date.

S.3507 — Put American Students First Act

Topic: Immigration Issues
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton [R-AR]
Introduced: 12/16/2025
NASFAA Summary: would bar public colleges and universities from offering in-state tuition or any state-funded postsecondary education benefit (such as tuition waivers, scholarships, or grants) to individuals who are not lawful permanent residents. It rewrites existing federal law to require that these students be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. It directs institutions to verify every student’s immigration status annually through DHS’s SAVE system before providing any such benefits. If a school has already granted in-state rates in violation of the law, it must seek repayment of the difference plus interest and block the student from future enrollment until the balance is paid. The prohibition applies to both students who enroll after the enactment and to current students who are later found not to be lawful permanent residents.

H.R.6739 — Clarity in Professional Degree Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell [D-MI]
Introduced: 12/16/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would broaden the federal definition of a “professional degree” by explicitly adding a range of graduate and health-related fields, including nursing, occupational and physical therapy, social work, accounting, architecture, education, music education, world languages, and public health, to ensure students in those programs remain eligible for increased loan borrowing and loan limit amounts.

H.R.6711— SPELL Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Espaillat [D-NY]
Introduced: 12/15/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would expand existing federal teacher loan forgiveness and loan cancellation programs to include teachers who work with English learners, as well as bilingual and dual-language immersion teachers. It adds these educators to the same enhanced benefit category that currently applies to math, science, and special education teachers. To qualify, a borrower must meet all existing program requirements and be employed in a role where their primary responsibility is teaching English learners or bilingual/dual-language students. Certification from the school or educational service agency is required, confirming that their assignment aligns with their training and that they demonstrate content-area competence.

H.R.6718 — Professional Student Degree Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Lawler [R-NY]
Introduced: 12/15/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would revise the Higher Education Act’s definition of “professional degree” by removing the outdated regulatory reference and explicitly defining the term in statute. It establishes that a professional degree prepares a student to begin practice in a licensed profession and requires skills beyond those of a bachelor’s degree, as determined by the Secretary. The bill then codifies a long list of specific degrees [medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, psychology, business, education, social work, and others] as statutory professional degrees, while allowing the Secretary to add additional programs that meet the criteria.

S.3433 — PELL Act

Topic: Institutional Grant & Incentive Programs
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 12/11/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would eliminate most federal funding streams specifically targeted to minority-serving institutions and redirect those savings to the Federal Pell Grant program. The bill strikes or rewrites language from the HEA that bases eligibility or priorities on race or MSI status and instead often ties eligibility to serving “a substantial number” of Pell Grant recipients. The bill then dedicates the total federal savings from these repealed or rewritten MSI programs as new, mandatory Pell appropriations starting in FY 2028, with those Pell funds indexed to inflation in later years. Beginning in award year 2028–29, that additional money would be folded into the Pell Grant formula as an extra per-student amount, calculated by dividing the new annual Pell appropriation by the number of Pell-eligible students, thereby increasing each Pell recipient’s maximum award.

H.R.6606 — Opportunities for Success Act of 2025 

Topic: Consumer Information & Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Bonamici [D-OR]
Introduced: 12/11/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would reauthorize and expand Federal Work-Study beginning in FY 2027 by increasing funding, prioritizing “work-based learning,” and updating how funds are allocated to institutions based on Pell enrollment and student need. It adds incentives and set-asides for schools that serve and graduate more Pell recipients, tightens eligibility for institutions with very low Pell/zero-SAI enrollment, and allows more flexible use and carryover of funds. The bill requires institutions to dedicate minimum shares of FWS dollars to students with exceptional need, work-based learning, and community service. It also creates a pilot grant program to build work-based learning positions, requires national surveys and reporting on FWS experiences and outcomes, and directs ED and GAO to provide data, guidance, and a study on best practices to better connect FWS to students’ educational and career goals.

H.R.6677 — Professional Degree Access Restoration Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Torres [D-NY]
Introduced: 12/11/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would fully reverse the graduate and professional student loan restrictions enacted under the OBBBA. The bill removes the provisions that limited the availability of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional students, effective July 1, 2026, and eliminates related references to discontinued PLUS loan limitations. By striking those caps and conforming amendments, the legislation restores the prior annual and aggregate loan limits for graduate and professional students.

H.R.6574 — Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Kennedy [D-NY]
Introduced: 12/10/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would set uniform annual and aggregate borrowing limits for graduate and professional students under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill would establish a maximum annual borrowing limit of $50,000 for graduate and professional students. It would also set a maximum aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate and professional study, in addition to any amounts borrowed for undergraduate education. The bill applies these limits across all eligible graduate and professional programs of study.

H.R.6498 — Student Financial Clarity Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information & Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Guthrie [R-KY]
Introduced: 12/09/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would expand and standardize federal consumer information on college costs, financial aid, and student outcomes. The bill requires the Department of Education to publicly report detailed institution- and program-level data on the College Scorecard, including required costs, net price, grant and scholarship aid, student debt and repayment, completion outcomes, and post-enrollment earnings. This information must be updated annually, downloadable, comparable across institutions and programs, and disaggregated by student characteristics such as income, race and ethnicity, enrollment status, and type of federal aid received. The legislation also directs the Secretary to create a Universal Net Price Calculator that allows prospective students to estimate annual and total net price for specific programs and institutions based on individual circumstances and recent cost data. Institutions participating in Title IV would be required to make a net price calculator publicly available on their websites using either the federal tool or an equivalent institutional version. 

H.R.6502 — College Financial Aid Clarity Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information & Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. McClain [R-MI]
Introduced: 12/09/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would require institutions of higher education to use standardized content, terminology, and formatting in financial aid offer forms. Institutions that participate in federal student aid programs would be required to provide financial aid offers titled “Financial Aid Offer” that clearly distinguish between grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, required costs, and other costs, and that present information in a consistent, plain-language format. Institutions would also need to include detailed disclosures about the costs of attendance, net price, loan terms, aid renewal, student employment, and next steps for accepting, adjusting, or declining aid, with supplemental information provided through links or accompanying documents when appropriate. Financial aid offers would need to include both annual and program-level cost and aid information, links to federal tools such as the net price calculator, College Financing Plan, and College Scorecard, and disclosures clarifying that loans must be repaid and that aid amounts may change.

H.R.6359 — Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

Topic: Consumer Information & Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Hinson [R-IA]
Introduced: 12/02/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would require institutions participating in federal student aid programs to disseminate information to prospective and enrolled students about the rights, accommodations, and resources available to pregnant students and students who may become pregnant while enrolled. Institutions would be required to provide information on campus and community resources, available accommodations, and how to file Title IX discrimination complaints with the institution or the Department of Education. The information would have to be shared through multiple channels, including an annual email to enrolled students, student handbooks, orientations, student health or counseling centers, and the institution’s public website. It would not create new rights or additional disclosure requirements beyond those specified.

H.R.6358 — Veteran Education Empowerment Act

Topic: Military & Veterans Aid
Sponsor: Rep. Frankel [D-FL]
Introduced: 12/02/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would reauthorize and update a grant program under Title VIII of the Higher Education Act to help institutions of higher education establish, maintain, improve, and operate Student Veteran Centers. It would authorize the Department of Education to award competitive grants of up to $500,000 over four years to eligible institutions or consortia that enroll a significant number or percentage of student veterans, active-duty service members, or reservists and submit a sustainability plan. Grant funds could be used to operate Student Veteran Centers and provide supportive services such as assistance with admissions, credit transfer, and other services that support student veteran success. The bill would also establish priorities for awarding grants, require reporting on outcomes and best practices, direct the Department to create a best-practices website, and authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and the seven succeeding fiscal years.

H.R.6350 — College Athletics Reform Act

Topic: Consumer Information & Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Trahan [D-MA]
Introduced: 12/02/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would establish federal protections for college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights by prohibiting athletic associations, conferences, and institutions from restricting athletes’ ability to receive NIL compensation, obtain professional representation, or be penalized for doing so, while limiting mandatory disclosure of NIL agreement terms and requiring certain written contract standards. The bill would also expand athletics-related disclosure requirements under Section 485 of the Higher Education Act, requiring institutions to report detailed, sport-by-sport information on athletically related student aid, including the number, duration, and average amount of scholarships; whether scholarships cover tuition or full cost of attendance; and the total amount of revenue shared directly with athletes, along with expanded reporting on athletics revenues, expenses, participant counts, and Title IX compliance.

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November 2025

H.R.6282 — Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Smucker [R-PA]
Introduced: 11/21/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would allow American students participating in foreign distance education programs to access federal financial aid. The proposed legislation seeks to amend current regulations that prohibit access to Title IV funds if any portion of a foreign degree program is conducted online.

S.3277/H.R.6284 — Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsors: Rep. Swalwell [D-CA], Sen. Blumenthal [D-CT]
Introduced: 11/21/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would modify the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and create a new, incremental loan cancellation structure for Federal Direct Loans first disbursed after the bill’s enactment. For existing PSLF provisions, the bill clarifies that the requirement to make 120 qualifying payments applies except for new loans. For new Federal Direct Loans, the Secretary would cancel a percentage of the original loan amount at set milestones for borrowers who make qualifying monthly payments while employed in public service, once employment is certified. After 24, 48, 72, and 96 qualifying payments, the borrower would receive 15 percent cancellation at each milestone, based on the loan amount owed when the borrower entered repayment. After 120 qualifying payments, the remaining balance of principal and interest would be canceled.

H.R.6134 — STUDENT Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Feenstra [R-IA]
Introduced: 11/19/2025
NASFAA Summary: This bill would require that federal loan disclosures include the total amount of interest the borrower would pay over the full life of the loan, calculated using the standard repayment plan and based on the borrower’s total outstanding principal across all loans.

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October 2025

H.R.5843 — Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act

Topic: Loan Repayment
Sponsor: Rep. Elfreth [D-MD]
Introduced: 10/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would provide temporary federal student loan relief for federal employees and certain contractors affected by government shutdowns. During any lapse in appropriations lasting at least 14 days, the Department of Education would be required to suspend payments on federal Direct Loans held by eligible federal employees and contractors who are furloughed or otherwise unpaid. No interest would accrue on the loans during the suspension period, and each suspended month would count as a qualifying payment toward loan forgiveness programs. The bill would also ensure that suspended payments are reported to credit agencies as if they were made on time. The relief would apply retroactively to September 30, 2025, and eligible borrowers could request refunds for payments made during qualifying shutdown periods.

H.R.5850 — GRAD Act

Topic: Appropriations & Budget
Sponsor: Rep. Figures [D-AL]
Introduced: 10/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require institutions to maintain a student’s enrollment status if their federal financial aid is disrupted due to a lapse in government appropriations.

H.R.5816 — HELP FEDs Act

Topic: Loan Repayment
Sponsor: Rep. Crockett [D-TX]
Introduced: 10/24/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would protect federal employees from financial penalties and negative credit impacts on their federal student loans during government shutdowns. It would prohibit the assessment of late fees, penalties, or interest accrual on qualified education loans for federal employees who miss payments due to a lapse in federal funding that results in a disruption of pay. The Department of Education would be required to coordinate with loan servicers and credit reporting agencies to ensure that missed or delayed payments during such periods are not reported as adverse credit events. The protections would apply retroactively to shutdowns occurring on or after October 1, 2025, and the Secretary of Education, in coordination with relevant federal offices, would be required to issue implementation regulations within 30 days of enactment.

H.R.5807 — Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Rep. Smith [D-WA]
Introduced: 10/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to establish a Support Services Training Fund, which would help individuals participating in eligible workforce and education training programs. The fund would provide competitive grants of up to $2 million per year to qualified applicants. Grant recipients would use the funds to offer support services to individuals enrolled in training under specified sections of the Act, such as those provided through the adult and dislocated worker programs or adult education. Eligible support services would include those already defined under existing law, such as transportation, childcare, and dependent care, as well as additional services identified by grantees as necessary to help participants complete training, including funding for groceries and after-hours childcare. 

S.2990 — Campus Accountability and Safety Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand [D-NY]
Introduced: 10/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand Clery Act reporting requirements to include additional data on sexual assault cases, such as the number of incidents involving student respondents, reports to Title IX officials, disciplinary outcomes, and sanctions. It would establish uniform definitions for terms such as “complainant,” “respondent,” and “Title IX coordinator,” and require institutions to use consistent federal definitions for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The Department of Education would be directed to create a public, searchable campus safety website with school-level data, Title IX contact information, and enforcement details. Colleges would also be required to appoint trained, confidential sexual and interpersonal violence specialists to assist survivors with reporting options and access to resources, and to prohibit retaliation against those who report in good faith.

S.2987 — American Workforce Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton [R-AR] 
Introduced: 10/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would establish a workforce training alternative to college for U.S. citizens with a high school diploma who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. The bill would create an American Workforce Division within the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to administer the American Workforce Program. Through this program, trainees would enter into approved American workforce contracts with private employers to receive paid, full-time work and educational training. Employers could receive up to $9,000 per trainee in workforce education subsidies to cover training costs and a $1,000 hiring bonus if they employ a trainee full-time after completion. Training programs would be required to develop industry-relevant, competency-based skills and could be delivered by approved third-party partners such as community colleges, nonprofits, or trade associations. The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion or culturally responsive training, political activity, or any purpose not directly related to workforce education. Employers would be required to pay at least the applicable minimum wage, use E-Verify, comply with nondiscrimination laws, and offer jobs paying at least 80 percent of the local median household income. 

H.R.5675 — Degrees Not Debt Act of 2025

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Rep. Carbajal [D-CA]
Introduced: 10/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would double the maximum Pell Grant award to $14,800 and index the award cap to inflation, effective for the 2028-2029 school year.

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September 2025

H.R.5399 — Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act

Topic: Institutional Grant & Incentive Programs
Sponsor: Rep. Kamlager-Dove [D-CA]
Introduced: 09/16/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would establish a competitive grant program supporting arts education at minority-serving institutions. Grants may fund student financial assistance, outreach and development for arts programs, mentorship and career support, preservation and exhibition of minority art, and paid apprenticeships or fellowships in partnership with cultural organizations. Funds may also support stipends and training for future arts educators and mentor teachers.

S.2802 — Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Husted [R-OH]
Introduced: 09/15/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require the Department of Education to publicly share detailed information about career and technical education (CTE) programs and related funding opportunities. Within 60 days of enactment, the Department must post on its website data on CTE programs’ average completion time, cost, and employment outcomes, as well as state-level information about available programs, Perkins CTE funding, and Workforce Pell Grants. This information must be kept current and continuously updated. The bill also amends the FAFSA to include a one-page summary highlighting CTE programs as viable alternatives to four-year degrees, based on the data posted by the Department, along with a required acknowledgment box for applicants.

S.2764 — STUDENT Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst [R-IA]
Introduced: 09/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require the Department of Education to disclose the total amount of interest a borrower would pay over the life of a federal student loan. The disclosure must be included in loan documents and based on the standard repayment plan for the borrower’s total outstanding principal.

H.R.5084 — Teacher Loan Forgiveness Enhancement Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Fields [D-LA]
Introduced: 09/02/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would establish federal undergraduate loan forgiveness for public school teachers who complete eight consecutive years of full-time teaching service. Upon meeting this requirement, ED would forgive the remaining principal and interest balance on eligible undergraduate loans, and the forgiven amount would not be treated as taxable income. Borrowers may also receive this benefit in addition to other federal loan forgiveness or service-based programs.

S.2700 — DECIDE Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Husted [R-OH]
Introduced: 09/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require the Department of Education to expand the College Scorecard with more detailed program- and institution-level data. For each program, it would report median earnings 10 years after enrollment, median federal loan debt for completers (including Stafford, Graduate PLUS, and Parent PLUS loans), as well as default and repayment rates. At the institutional level, it would include overall cohort default and repayment rates, plus default and repayment rates for Graduate and Parent PLUS loans. The bill defines “repayment rate” as the share of borrowers making progress or otherwise repaying two years after entering repayment, excluding private loans and loans from other institutions.

H.R.5121 — Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Stefanik [R-NY]
Introduced: 09/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would modify the criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies for colleges and universities. It prohibits accreditors from setting standards or making decisions based on the race, color, sex, or national origin of an institution’s students, faculty, or staff, including those in leadership roles or who receive honors. The bill requires accreditors to permit institutions to adopt their own lawful policies related to these factors, regardless of the institution’s mission, and bars accreditors from considering such factors in the accreditation process. It also requires that accreditors ensure institutions uphold a right to “free inquiry,” defined as adherence to First Amendment protections for public institutions and institutional free speech and academic freedom policies for private ones. Religious institutions meeting specified criteria are exempt from this requirement. 

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July 2025

H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, creates several changes to federal student aid and loan programs. It keeps subsidized loans and existing undergraduate loan limits, ends the Graduate PLUS loan program starting in 2026, and introduces new caps on total federal borrowing. A new income-driven repayment plan (RAP) will replace many current plans for new borrowers, while existing borrowers must transition by 2028. Pell Grant funding is increased, and new rules limit eligibility based on financial support and income. Colleges must also meet new earnings benchmarks to keep access to federal loans. For a more detailed breakdown and analysis, visit NASFAA’s Reconciliation Web Center.

H.R.4806 — College Transparency Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Krishnamoorthi [D-IL]
Introduced: 07/29/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would provide federal funding to colleges that offer apprenticeship programs leading to industry-recognized credentials. The bill would support these institutions by helping them expand access, build capacity, and improve outcomes for students in work-based learning pathways.

S.2485 — Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2025

Topic: Loan Repayment
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin [D-IL]
Introduced: 07/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill allows adjunct faculty members to qualify for public service loan forgiveness.

H.R.4727 — To codify Executive Order 14235 relating to restoring public service loan forgiveness.

Topic: Loan Repayment
Sponsor: Rep. Self [R-TX]
Introduced: 07/23/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would codify Executive Order (EO) 14325 regarding amending the public service loan forgiveness program. The EO directs the Secretary of Education to ensure that “public service” does not include organizations involved in illegal activities, such as helping with immigration, promoting violence to influence policy, supporting gender-related procedures for minors, human trafficking, illegal discrimination, or repeatedly breaking state laws like trespassing or vandalism.  

H.R.4588 — Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025

Topic: Appropriations & Budget
Sponsor: Rep. Craig [D-MN]
Introduced: 07/22/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill seeks to create a secure, comprehensive data system within the Department of Education to track student outcomes across colleges. It would collect and report data on enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings by program and institution, as well as information on cost and financial aid, while protecting student privacy. The bill aims to provide students and families with clearer information to make informed decisions about college and career paths.

H.R.4555 — Student Loan Contract Act of 2025

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Underwood [D-IL]
Introduced: 07/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would change the name of master promissory notes for federal student loans to ‘student loan contracts’. 

H.R.4363 — Defend Girls Athletics Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Barr [R-KY]
Introduced: 07/14/2025) 
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require institutions to allow only biological women to compete in women’s sports or risk losing their federal funding, including student loans. Each year by July 1, institutions must certify that they’re following this rule. Failure to certify could result in the loss of federal money and the blocking of future funding.

H.R.4312 — SCORE Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis [R-FL]
Introduced: 07/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require institutions to tell students how much of their student fees are being used to support sports programs, and how that money is being used. Schools must collect and share this information every year by October 15. Institutions that make $50 million or more in a year from media deals (like TV contracts) would not be allowed to use student fees to fund sports programs the following year. Additional provisions of this bill allow collegiate athletes to hire an agent (where the agent must disclose if they are registered with an interstate intercollegiate athletic association), and institutions must provide comprehensive academic support and career counseling services, medical and health benefits, grant-in-aid, and a degree completion plan for student athletes.

H.R.4318 — Head Start for Our Future Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Rep. Castro [D-TX]
Introduced: 07/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would include child development and early learning programs as eligible community services under the Federal work-study program.

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June 2025

S.2166 — Head Start for Our Future Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand [D-NY]
Introduced: 06/25/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would recognize child development and early learning, including work in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, as qualifying community service under the FWS program. The bill would allow college students to earn FWS funds by working in these early childhood programs, provided specific safeguards are met.

S.2107/H.R.4026 — POST Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen [D-TN]
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin [D-IL] 
Introduced: 06/17/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would repeal the 90/10 rulea and replace it with 85/15 for proprietary institutions by requiring at least 15% of their revenue from non-federal sources to remain eligible for federal student aid programs. The bill expands and clarifies federal versus non-federal revenue, including specific treatment of alternative financing arrangements, institutional loans, and scholarships. It restricts the use of affiliated entities to meet the 15% threshold artificially and outlines detailed accounting and reporting requirements. Institutions that fail to meet the requirement lose eligibility for at least two fiscal years and must demonstrate full compliance to regain it.

H.R.3994 — Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Ross [D-NC]
Introduced: 06/12/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would update data collection and support for student parents by directing the CES to define “parenting student” and develop related data elements for inclusion in federal data systems like IPEDS. These data points—such as enrollment, financial aid status, childcare use, and student demographics—must be disaggregated by parental and caregiver status, race, ethnicity, and gender. The bill also mandates the inclusion of relevant experts in federal data advisory groups and requires data collection to begin no later than the 2026–2027 academic year. In addition, the Department of Education must provide technical assistance to states and institutions to help them collect and manage parenting student data effectively. The Act also calls for a national study of best practices that support student parents, examining enrollment trends, the impact of campus-based childcare, and integration of services like SNAP, TANF, and Head Start.

H.R.3985 — Helping Student Parents Succeed Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. McBath [D-GA]
Introduced: 06/12/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require colleges and universities to establish and publicly share policies and resources for expectant and parenting students. Institutions must post a clear policy on leaves of absence related to pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption, including how students can make up missed work. They must also provide comprehensive information on available campus and community resources—such as lactation accommodations, parenting-related support services, and financial aid options, including dependent care allowances and emergency aid. 

H.R.3943 — Opportunity To Address College Hunger Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Bonamici [D-OR]
Introduced: 06/12/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require colleges and universities participating in the Federal Work-Study program to notify eligible students of their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The notification, developed by the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, must include information on SNAP eligibility, application procedures, and contact details for the local SNAP office, tailored to the student’s state of residence. The notice must also include documentation confirming the student’s participation in work-study, which can be used to demonstrate SNAP eligibility. The bill also directs federal agencies to provide guidance to states and institutions on identifying and contacting potentially eligible students, including those receiving Pell Grants.

S.2036/H.R.3913 — Putting American Students First Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsors: Sen. Banks [R-IN], Rep. Houchin [R-IN]
Introduced: 06/11/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill adds new eligibility requirements for participation in Federal TRIO programs. Specifically, it limits eligibility to U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain aliens intending to become permanent residents, citizens or lawful residents of the Freely Associated States, or individuals with CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) Resident status. The bill prohibits waiving these eligibility requirements under any existing law or authority. 

H.R.3847 — Student-athlete Protections and Opportunities through Rights, Transparency, and Safety Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. McClain [R-MI]
Introduced: 06/09/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would establish federal protections and standards for student athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. It defines “compensation” broadly but explicitly excludes traditional forms of student financial aid—including grants-in-aid, Federal Pell Grants, and state or federal grants unrelated to athletic participation. It requires institutions to provide education on financial literacy, career preparation, and NIL opportunities to student-athletes receiving aid. Institutions must also guarantee continued access to grant-in-aid for up to 10 years for degree completion, even if an athlete stops competing, and cannot reduce or cancel aid based on performance, injury, or roster decisions. Institutions that do not meet these requirements risk losing eligibility for ED funding.

H.R.3836 — EO 14282 Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Burchett [R-TN]
Introduced: 06/09/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would give the force of law to Executive Order 14282, which focuses on transparency regarding foreign influence at American universities. The bill would codify the executive order requirements involving disclosing foreign gifts, contracts, or partnerships by higher education institutions. 

H.R.3739 — No Loan Forgiveness for Terrorists Act of 2025

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Steube [R-FL]
Introduced: 06/04/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would amend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to exclude employment with organizations that engage in activities with a substantial illegal purpose from qualifying as public service. Specifically, the bill would disqualify borrowers from PSLF eligibility if they work for organizations involved in aiding or abetting violations of federal immigration laws; materially supporting terrorism or designated foreign terrorist organizations; supporting child abuse, including gender-affirming care for minors or transporting minors to other states for such care in violation of laws; aiding or abetting illegal discrimination; or repeatedly violating state tort laws such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, vandalism, or obstruction of highways.

H.R.3711/S.1948 — POST GRAD Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Chu [D-CA] 
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla [D-CA]
Introduced: 06/04/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore subsidized loan eligibility for individuals seeking a graduate degree. Specifically, the bill would once again make graduate students eligible to receive federal Direct Subsidized Loans, which was ended in 2011 by the Budget Control Act.

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May 2025

S.1863 — VALOR Act of 2025

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal [D-CT]
Introduced: 05/22/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand PSLF eligibility for certain military and uniformed service members. Specifically, the bill ensures that service members in covered active duty service, including those in the National Guard and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), can count certain periods of deferment and forbearance as qualifying payments toward PSLF. It also waives the requirement to be in a repayment plan during those periods and allows borrowers to qualify regardless of when they enrolled in the PSLF program, provided they complete 10 years of full-time service. The bill defines “covered active duty service” broadly to include active military duty and full-time NOAA service.

S.1845 — No Loan Forgiveness for Terrorists Act of 2025

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 05/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would amend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to exclude employment with organizations that engage in activities with a substantial illegal purpose from qualifying as public service. Specifically, the bill would disqualify borrowers from PSLF eligibility if they work for organizations involved in: aiding or abetting violations of federal immigration laws; materially supporting terrorism or designated foreign terrorist organizations; supporting child abuse, including gender-affirming care for minors or transporting minors to other states for such care in violation of laws; aiding or abetting illegal discrimination; or repeatedly violating state tort laws such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, vandalism, or obstruction of highways.

H.R.3530 — Flight Education Access Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Davis [D-NC]
Introduced: 05/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would raise federal student loan limits for students enrolled in accredited commercial pilot training programs.

H.R.3518/S.1811 — Embracing Anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Murphy [R-NC]
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced: 05/20/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving federal funding—including participation in federal student loan programs—if they adopt certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Specifically, it bars schools from requiring students, faculty, or staff to affirm or express DEI-related beliefs, such as acknowledging systemic racism or assigning guilt or privilege based on race or other characteristics. It also prohibits DEI offices, mandatory DEI statements for admission or employment, and race-based benefits or programs. Accrediting agencies for medical programs must also not require DEI policies.

S.1764/H.R.3412 — Ending Administrative Garnishment Act of 2025

Topic: Loan Repayment
Sponsor: Sen. Booker [D-NJ]
Sponsor: Rep. Pressley [D-MA]
Introduced: 05/14/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would suspend ED’s authority to garnish wages for federal student loan repayment until the Secretary of Education certifies to Congress that a robust reform process is in place. This process must include swift refunds for improper garnishments, discretionary authority to pause garnishments at any time, and employer verification of garnishment details. If the Secretary cannot implement such a system, garnishment authority would remain suspended. The bill also allows borrowers or the Department to sue employers who fail to comply with garnishment suspensions, requires the Department to pay double the amount improperly garnished, and prohibits garnishment of loans older than 10 years.

H.R.3345 — Sovereign States Education Restoration Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Higgins [R-LA]
Introduced: 05/13/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would abolish the Department of Education and transfer all major federal student aid programs to the Department of the Treasury. The Act creates a postsecondary education block grant program, allowing the Treasury to allocate funds to states based on prior-year enrollment in postsecondary institutions. States could use the funds to support any aspect of postsecondary education, but must comply with federal civil rights laws, submit student data, and complete annual audits. Oversight of civil rights compliance for these programs would be handled by the Department of Justice.

S.1738 — Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan [R-AK]
Introduced: 05/13/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit colleges and universities from accepting gifts or entering into contracts with "foreign countries of concern," which include nations deemed a threat to U.S. national security. The bill allows the Secretary of Education, in coordination with national security officials, to determine which countries qualify.

H.R.3281 — To prohibit the reduction, elimination, or suspension of funding for land-grant colleges and universities. [Unnamed]. 

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Figures [D-AL]
Introduced: 05/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture, or any other Federal official, from taking any action to reduce, eliminate, or suspend funding for land-grant colleges and universities, unless an Act of Congress authorizes explicitly such reduction, elimination, or suspension.

H.R.3282 — Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Fine [R-FL]
Introduced: 05/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would strengthen protections against religious discrimination, specifically antisemitism, in federally funded programs and institutions of higher education. It explicitly prohibits discrimination based on religion and defines severe, pervasive antisemitic harassment as a form of discrimination. The bill ensures that religious organizations are exempt from these provisions. It also imposes fines on institutions that repeatedly violate Title VI regarding antisemitism, requires institutions to notify students and staff of such violations, and mandates federal monitoring of related lawsuits. 

H.R.3267 — PSLF Payment Completion Fairness Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Houlahan [D-PA]
Introduced: 05/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would allow borrowers who completed 10 years of public service and met other payment eligibility requirements to be eligible for PSLF forgiveness, even if they are not employed in a public service position at the time of the forgiveness request. 

S.1683 — PELL Act of 2025

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Sen. Budd [R-NC]
Introduced: 05/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand the Federal Pell Grant program to include "Workforce Pell Grants" for students enrolled in short-term, high-quality workforce training programs. Eligible students must meet standard Pell Grant requirements and enroll in programs aligned with in-demand jobs that meet strict completion, job placement, and earnings benchmarks.

S.1610 — Tax-Free Pell Grant Act

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse [D-RI]
Introduced: 05/06/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand the tax exclusion for Pell Grants, excluding them from gross income regardless of how the funds are used, making them entirely tax-free. It also ensures that Pell Grants are not subtracted from qualified expenses when calculating the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits. The changes would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

S.1569 — Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would modify the criteria for federal recognition of accrediting agencies for higher education institutions. The bill adds new requirements prohibiting accrediting agencies from considering or mandating standards related to the race, color, sex, or national origin of students, faculty, or staff in any context. It also requires that accrediting agencies respect institutional autonomy by allowing colleges to adopt lawful policies in these areas, regardless of the institution's stated mission. Furthermore, the bill mandates that accreditors assess institutions’ commitment to "free inquiry," defined as adherence to constitutional or institutional free speech and academic freedom policies. However, it exempts religious institutions that meet specific criteria.

S.1559/H.R.3298 — Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2025

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley [R-IA]
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks [R-IA]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would propose changes to federal student loan borrowers' counseling and disclosure requirements. It replaces "entrance counseling" with broader pre-loan counseling, requiring it before each new loan disbursement, not just for first-time borrowers. The counseling must now include detailed information about debt-to-income ratios, estimated costs after graduation, and strategies to reduce borrowing. Institutions would also require students to manually confirm the loan amount they want to borrow before certification. The bill also requires quarterly disclosures to borrowers even during non-payment periods, outlining their loan balances, interest rates, accrued interest, and the benefits of making voluntary payments during these times.

H.R.3165 — Student Loan Tax Elimination Act

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Smucker [R-PA]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would eliminate origination fees on federal student loans. 

S.1557 — Net Price Calculator Improvement Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley [R-IA]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would allow the creation of a centralized website to allow students to compare estimates of their net price for individual institutions across multiple colleges at once. It would include the institution’s net price, as well as all components of the institution’s Cost of Attendance, as well as the estimated total need-based grant aid and merit-based grant aid, from Federal, State, and institutional sources, that may be available to the student.

H.R.3153/S.1558 — Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Kim [R-CA]/Sen. Grassley [R-IA]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would mandate standard terminology and a standard format for financial aid aid offers. The standardized items—such as the cost of attendance (listed direct and indirect costs), tuition, and fees—would need to be included on the first page of the aid offer. The aid offer must also include housing, food, books, supplies, and transportation, among other items in the cost of attendance. Grants and scholarships would need to be grouped together in their own section with a disclosure that grant aid does not need to be repaid. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans would need to be clearly labeled and include a disclosure that loans have to be repaid. Additionally, this bill would not permit that Federal Work-Study (FWS) be included in the financial aid category and a disclosure would need to indicate to students that FWS positions are subject to the availability of qualified employment and that these funds are paid over time throughout their employment.

H.R.3146 — HEROES Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Goldman [D-NY]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would include service as a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician as qualifying employment under the PSLF program. The bill defines "qualified volunteer firefighter" and "qualified volunteer emergency medical technician" as individuals who perform emergency services for a legally recognized fire department, ambulance service, healthcare facility, or public safety organization without being employed full-time by the same entity.

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April 2025

H.R.2829 — SERVICE Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Courtney [D-CT]
Introduced: 04/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would make changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and lower interest capitalization. It reduces the required number of qualifying payments from 120 to 96 and expands qualifying repayment plans, deferments, and forbearances. The bill permits lump sum payments and introduces a buyback option for missed payments during eligible public service periods. It establishes a formal reconsideration process for denied PSLF applications and clarifies eligibility for independent contractors and adjunct faculty. It prohibits interest capitalization after deferment or forbearance, applies changes retroactively, and ensures partial credit toward PSLF after loan consolidation based on weighted prior payments.

H.R.2899 — PROTECT Students Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Takano [D-CA]
Introduced: 04/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would codify the 2023 Biden Administration's Gainful Employment regulations, requiring career programs at Title IV institutions to demonstrate that graduates earn more than high school graduates in their state and have a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio. Borrower defense regulations are simplified, allowing students to discharge loans if they were misled by their institutions. The bill ensures closed school discharge eligibility for students enrolled within 180 days of a school’s closure. The bill also includes oversight measures including clarifying that third-party servicers handling federal aid, recruitment, retention, default management, or instructional content development fall under Department of Education regulations. It also establishes a ‘For-Profit Education Oversight Coordination Committee’, involving multiple federal agencies to coordinate investigations and enforcement efforts. A public complaint resolution system would be implemented, requiring institutions and servicers to respond to student and borrower complaints. Transparency measures require institutions to disclose debt-to-earnings rates for all graduate and certificate programs, instructional spending levels, third-party servicer relationships, and online program recruitment expenditures.

H.R.2809 — Fair College Admissions for Students Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Kim [R-CA]
Introduced: 04/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit institutions that participate in federal student aid programs from granting preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant’s relationship to donors or alumni. This ban on legacy and donor-based admissions preferences would become effective at the start of the second federal award year following the bill’s enactment.

S.1402 — Returning Education to Our States Act

Sponsor: Sen. Rounds [R-SD]
Introduced: 04/09/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would abolish the Department of Education within one year of enactment and redistribute its responsibilities across other federal agencies. The bill transfers all Title IV federal student aid programs—including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and campus-based aid—to the Department of the Treasury, which would also assume control of the Health Education Assistance Loan program. States would receive postsecondary education funding through new block grants administered by Treasury, based on enrollment figures, with conditions including data reporting, audits, and civil rights compliance. While the bill preserves FERPA and civil rights protections, it removes centralized federal oversight of higher education policy and financial aid administration.

S.1317/H.R.2778 — Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 04/07/2025
Sponsor: Rep. Houchin [R-IN]
Introduced: 04/09/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would strengthen disclosure requirements for U.S. colleges and universities that receive gifts or enter into contracts with foreign sources. The bill lowers the reporting threshold to any value for foreign sources linked to a “covered nation” and maintains a $250,000 threshold for others. Institutions must file reports biannually, and the Department of Education must transmit these disclosures to the FBI and the Director of National Intelligence within 10 days. Additionally, within 90 days of enactment, ED must send all past and current records related to foreign gift reporting and compliance investigations to those agencies.

S.1347 — Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Sen. Peters [D-MI]
Introduced: 04/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible institutions, prioritizing those serving low-income, rural, or first-generation college students. Funds can be used for activities such as professional development, course design, outreach, and covering student costs like tuition, materials, and transportation.

H.R.2733 — The Pell Grant Flexibility Act

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Rep. Morelle [D-NY]
Introduced: 04/08/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would allow students with disabilities who are approved by their institution for a reduced course load—or who are enrolled in at least 5 credits, whichever is greater—to be treated as full-time students for the purposes of determining Pell Grant amounts. This full-time status designation would not apply when calculating the student's overall semester-based Pell Grant eligibility limit.

H.R.2664 — Unnamed

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Adams [D-NC]
Introduced: 04/07/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand allowable activities for institutions receiving Title III support, specifically those that serve historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions. The amendment adds new provisions to support students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs by allowing institutions to provide financial aid, mentorship, career advising, and work-based learning opportunities.

H.R.2691 — Unnamed

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Moore [R-AL]
Introduced: 04/07/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would abolish the Department of Education within 30 days of enactment and terminate all of its programs, except for the Federal Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Loan Program, which would be transferred to the Department of the Treasury. The bill also establishes a new grant program that allocates federal funds to states for elementary and secondary education based on the proportion of federal income taxes paid by residents of each state.

H.R.2634 — Free Speech On Campus Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Kiley [R-CA]
Introduced: 04/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require public colleges and universities participating in Title IV programs to educate new students on their First Amendment rights. Institutions must provide a written statement affirming free speech protections and offer educational programming on free expression during orientation. They must also post the statement publicly on their websites.

S.1296 — Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Tillis [R-NC]
Introduced: 04/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would amend foreign gift and contract reporting requirements for institutions by decreasing the foreign gift reporting threshold for institutions from $250,000 down to $50,000, and a $0 threshold for “countries of concern.” Additionally, the legislation would create a new “Investment Disclosure Report” requirement for private institutions with endowments over $6 billion or with “investments of concern” above $250 million. Under this provision, institutions would need to annually disclose to the Department of Education investments with a “country of concern” or a foreign entity of concern. Then, those institutions’ reports would be made publicly available in a searchable database.

H.R.2543 — Tax-Free Pell Grant Act

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Rep. Doggett [D-TX]
Introduced: 04/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand the tax exclusion for Pell Grants and change education-related tax credits. Specifically, it would exclude all Pell Grant amounts from gross income, regardless of how they are used, aligning with how scholarships for qualified expenses are already treated. It also ensures that Pell Grants do not reduce eligibility for the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits. The bill would also broaden the definition of qualified expenses under these credits to include not only tuition and fees, but also computer equipment, internet access, course materials, and child and dependent care expenses.

H.R.2583/S.1253 — College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Taylor [R-OH]
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 04/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would create a Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination within the Department of Education to investigate racial discrimination in college admissions. The office would handle complaints, review federal policies, and recommend actions—including loss of federal funding—for institutions found in violation of anti-discrimination laws. It would submit quarterly reports to Congress and operate for 12 years with $25 million in funding. The bill would also make institutions ineligible for federal aid if found to use race in admissions.

H.Con.Res.14 — Concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
NASFAA Summary: The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct 11 House committees to submit legislation that will increase or decrease the deficit over FY2025-FY2034 and increase the statutory debt limit by specified amounts. The House Education and Workforce Committee submitted their legislation which proposes significantly overhauling federal student aid. This bill would modify the Pell Grant program by defining full-time enrollment as 15 credits, establishing an income cutoff based on the maximum Pell Grant, and introducing Workforce Pell for short-term programs. It would establish a new campus-based "Promise Grant" beginning in the 2028-29 award year, funded through an institutional risk-sharing proposal. The legislation would reinstate the asset protection allowance for family farms and small businesses in the FAFSA need analysis and eventually shift the need calculation to be based on the median cost of a student's program of study. Furthermore, this bill would revise the definition of an eligible student, narrowing eligibility for certain non-citizen categories.

Regarding federal loans, this bill would eliminate new subsidized undergraduate loans and Grad PLUS loans effective July 1, 2026. It would revise annual and aggregate unsubsidized loan limits, tying them primarily to the median cost of the student's program, and restrict Parent PLUS borrowing unless the student borrows the maximum unsubsidized amount. The bill would consolidate loan repayment into two main options, including a new income-based "Repayment Assistance Plan," while limiting deferment and forbearance options for new borrowers. It would implement an institutional accountability framework requiring institutions to remit payments based on their student cohorts' loan repayment performance. Finally, this legislation would repeal the 90/10 rule, Gainful Employment regulations, and other recent regulatory actions, while significantly limiting the Department of Education's authority to issue similar rules in the future.

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March 2025

H.R.2521 — American Family FAFSA Opportunity Act of 2025

Topic: FAFSA Simplification  
Sponsor: Rep. Smith [R-NJ]
Introduced: 03/31/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore the practice of dividing the Student Aid Index by the number of children in a family who are enrolled at least half-time in eligible higher education programs. The amendment would apply starting with the 2025–2026 award year.

H.R.2456 — Orderly Liquidation of the Department of Education Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Moran [R-TX]
Introduced: 03/27/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would eliminate the Department of Education by December 31, 2026, and redistribute its functions across several federal agencies. For higher education, the bill would move all federal student aid responsibilities—including Pell Grants, federal loans, servicing, and income-driven repayment—to a new Office of Federal Student Aid within the Department of the Treasury. The Treasury would also take on borrower defense claims and oversight of financial aid operations currently managed by the Department. Civil rights enforcement in education would be transferred to the Department of Justice, and the National Science Foundation would assume control of postsecondary data collection and research, including oversight of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard. Career and technical education programs would shift to the Department of Labor. For elementary and secondary education, Title I and IDEA programs would be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill would also eliminate Direct PLUS loans. 

H.R.2446/S.1182 — Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Lawler [R-NY]
Sponsor: Sen. Scott [R-SC]
Introduced: 03/27/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would bar colleges and universities from participating in Title IV federal student aid programs if they authorize, fund, or otherwise support events that promote antisemitism.

H.R.2386 — Make Education Great Again Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Ogles [TN-5]
Introduced: 03/26/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore educational authority to parents, states, and local communities while limiting federal involvement. It directs the Secretary of Education to review and revise regulations that restrict parental rights or local control, promote school choice, reduce federal administrative burdens, and ensure transparency in education. It also grants the Secretary broad authority to reduce federal education spending below appropriated levels, as long as mandatory funding requirements are met.

H.R.2374 — American Students First Act

Topic: Immigration
Sponsor: Rep. Mace [R-SC]
Introduced: 03/26/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit public colleges and universities from receiving any federal financial assistance if they offer in-state tuition or state-based financial aid to undocumented students. Institutions found to provide such benefits would lose eligibility for federal funding in the following fiscal year.

H.R.2367/S.1123— College Employment Accountability Act

Topic: Immigration
Sponsors: Rep. Houchin [R-IN], Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 03/25/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would make institutions of higher education ineligible for federal student aid or institutional aid if they are found to employ unauthorized immigrants in violation of federal law. The bill would also require all such institutions to participate in the E-Verify Program – an online system that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees by checking their information against federal databases to ensure they are authorized to work in the United States – as a condition for receiving Title IV funds. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security would be responsible for monitoring institutions' compliance with E-Verify every six months and notifying the Department of Education within 10 days if an institution is either not participating in E-Verify or found in violation of immigration employment laws.

H.R.2276 — Combating Racist Teaching in Schools Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Roy [R-TX]
Introduced: 03/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit the allocation of federal funds to elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools that promote certain race-based theories or compel students or teachers to adopt related beliefs in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill defines "race-based theories" to include concepts such as the belief that the U.S. is fundamentally racist, that any race is inherently superior or inferior, or that individuals are inherently racist or bear responsibility for others' actions based on their race.

H.R.2272 — Freeze Aid For Student Assaulters Act of 2025 (FAFSA Act of 2025)

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger [R-TX]
Introduced: 03/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would make individuals convicted of certain criminal offenses ineligible for Title IV federal financial aid. Specifically, those convicted of assaulting a police officer or offenses related to rioting—including inciting, organizing, participating in, committing violence in furtherance of a riot, or aiding and abetting such acts—would lose eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study assistance. Additionally, any grants previously awarded to these individuals would be converted into Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, accruing interest from the date of the original grant award. These converted loans would not be eligible for forgiveness, cancellation, or any other repayment assistance programs.

H.R.2204 — Unnamed

Topic: Immigration
Sponsor: Rep. Langworthy [R-NY]
Introduced: 03/18/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: The bill would require institutions of higher education to report to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) if they become aware that a student holding an F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant visa has participated in or endorsed activities supporting a foreign terrorist organization, as defined under 8 U.S.C. 1189. Upon determination by the Secretary of State, the student's visa must be revoked, and the Secretary of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

S.982 — No Tax Dollars for College Encampments Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Banks [R-IN]
Introduced: 03/12/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require colleges and universities to disclose their policies on responding to civil disturbances, including how they coordinate with law enforcement. It defines "civil disturbance" as activities like protests, riots, or strikes that disrupt the community and require intervention to maintain public safety and prevent learning disruptions.

S.994 — PROTECT Students Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin [D-IL]
Introduced: 03/12/2025 
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would codify the 2023 Biden Administration's Gainful Employment regulations, requiring career programs at Title IV institutions to demonstrate that graduates earn more than high school graduates in their state and have a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio. Borrower defense regulations are simplified, allowing students to discharge loans if they were misled by their institutions. The bill ensures closed school discharge eligibility for students enrolled within 180 days of a school’s closure. The bill also includes oversight measures including clarifying that third-party servicers handling federal aid, recruitment, retention, default management, or instructional content development fall under Department of Education regulations. It also establishes a ‘For-Profit Education Oversight Coordination Committee’, involving multiple federal agencies to coordinate investigations and enforcement efforts. A public complaint resolution system would be implemented, requiring institutions and servicers to respond to student and borrower complaints. Transparency measures require institutions to disclose debt-to-earnings rates for all graduate and certificate programs, instructional spending levels, third-party servicer relationships, and online program recruitment expenditures.

H.R.2028/S.942 — Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Babin [R-TX] 
Sponsor: Sen.Rosen [D-NV]
Introduced: 03/11/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would provide interest-free deferment on federal student loans for borrowers serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program. During this deferment, no payments would be required, and interest would not accrue. 

S.937 — No Student Loans for Campus Criminals Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton [R-AR]
Introduced: 03/11/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit individuals convicted of any offense related to their conduct during a protest at an institution of higher education from receiving certain federal student loan benefits. Under the bill, those convicted would be ineligible for federal student loan forgiveness, cancellation, waiver, or modification. Additionally, they would be barred from receiving new federal student loans under the Direct Loan Program. 

H.R.2003 — Affordable Loans for Students Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Lawler [R-NY]
Introduced: 03/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would lower interest rates on federal student loans to 2%. The bill mandates automatic interest rate modifications for federal loans held by the Department of Education and allows borrowers with federally backed loans held by private lenders to refinance at 2% without extending their repayment terms. It also ensures no origination fees for refinanced loans and requires the Department of Education to report on implementation. The new 2% rate would apply to all new federal student loans issued after enactment.

S.880 — Fair College Admissions for Students Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley [D-OR]
Introduced: 03/06/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs from giving preferential treatment in admissions to applicants who are relatives of alumni (legacy students) or donors. The ban would take effect at the start of the second award year after the law is enacted, ensuring a transition period for institutions to comply.

H.R.1852 — IHE Nonprofit Clarity Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Biggs [R-AZ]
Introduced: 03/05/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would ensure that any institution of higher education classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the Internal Revenue Code is automatically recognized as a nonprofit institution of higher education for the purposes of the Higher Education Act. This would standardize the definition of nonprofit colleges and universities, potentially affecting eligibility for federal funding and regulatory oversight.

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February 2025

H.R.1759 — Affordable PLUS Repayment Options for Parents Act of 2025

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA] 
Introduced: 02/27/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would allow Parent PLUS loan borrowers to repay their loans under income-contingent repayment (ICR) or income-based repayment (IBR) plans, which were previously unavailable to them. The bill removes restrictions preventing Parent PLUS loans and their consolidation loans from qualifying for these repayment options. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment and apply to both current and future Parent PLUS borrowers.

H.R.1739/S.801 — Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Rep. Roy [R-TX]/Sen. Lee [R-UT] 
Introduced: 02/27/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would eliminate the current federal student loan program and replace it with “federal direct simplification loans”. This would be one loan given to all eligible borrowers, with varying interest rates based on degree program, with interest that begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed. Dependent undergraduate borrowers can borrow up to $7,500 annually, with an aggregate of $30,000; Independent undergraduate students may borrow up to $15,000 annually, with an aggregate of $60,000; and graduate students may borrow up to $18,500 annually, with an aggregate of $74,000. 

H.R.1666 — Pell Grant Sustainability Act

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Rep. Casten [D-IL]
Introduced: 02/27/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would index the maximum Federal Pell Grant to inflation by automatically adjusting the maximum Pell Grant each year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Beginning in the 2025–2026 award year, the grant amount will increase annually by the estimated percentage change in inflation, rounded to the nearest $5. Additionally, the bill removes the current expiration date for mandatory Pell Grant funding, ensuring continued appropriations beyond 2034. Repayment would be 15 years for undergraduate and 25 years for graduate students. Loan forgiveness programs would be eliminated. The bill would require a significant amount of information be published on the institutions website annually including, percentage of student receiving each aid type, breakdown of student population by enrollment level, average length to degree completion, and default and non-repayment rates, as well as additional information. Additionally, each institution would pay a default rate fine annually in an amount that is equal to the applicable percentage of outstanding loans.

H.R.1635 — Pell to Grad Act

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Rep. Stevens [D-MI]
Introduced: 02/26/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand Federal Pell Grant eligibility by increasing the maximum period from 12 to 16 semesters. It also allows students who received Pell Grants for fewer than 16 semesters as undergraduates to use remaining eligibility for a postbaccalaureate program at an eligible institution.

H.R.1641 — Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Williams [R-TX]
Introduced: 02/26/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require the Department of Education to publicly disclose information about career and technical education (CTE) programs, including costs, completion rates, and job prospects, as well as funding opportunities under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. It would also mandate that the FAFSA application include a one-page summary on CTE programs and require applicants to acknowledge that CTE is a viable alternative to a four-year degree.

H.R.1490 — TRIO Access Act

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Rep. Moore [D-WI]
Introduced: 02/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would expand the use of certain tax return information disclosed to institutions of higher education for financial aid purposes to more easily determine students’ eligibility for TRIO programs.

H.R.1282 — Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Bilirakis [R-FL]
Introduced: 02/13/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit federal funding for institutions of higher education that implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. To remain eligible for federal financial aid programs, colleges must certify that they do not support, promote, or maintain offices related to DEI. The bill requires institutions to provide documentation upon request and outlines an appeals process for schools that lose funding. The Secretary of Education is tasked with enforcing the policy through regulation.

H.R.1174 — Ensuring Distance Education Act

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Owens [R-UT]
Introduced: 02/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would modify the 90/10 rule by allowing revenue from certain distance education programs to count toward the non-federal revenue requirement, regardless of where the program is offered. This change would allow for-profit institutions to meet the 90/10 rule by including tuition and fees paid for online programs as part of their non-federal revenue.

H.R.1176 — Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Smucker [R-PA]
Introduced: 02/10/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would clarify clock hour requirements for certain Title IV-eligible training programs by ensuring that programs exceeding state or federal minimum training requirements for a recognized profession remain eligible for federal student aid, as long as they do not exceed 150% of the required hours. 

H.R.1131/S.469 — Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act

Topic: FAFSA Simplification
Sponsor: Rep. Mann [R-KS]/Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 02/06/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets when completing the FAFSA. 

H.R.1090 — Truth in Tuition Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Rep. Perez  [D-WA]
Introduced: 02/06/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require colleges and universities to provide clearer tuition and fee information to admitted students. Institutions must either offer a multi-year tuition and fee schedule or provide a single-year schedule along with a nonbinding multi-year estimate of net costs after financial aid, assuming no significant changes in a student’s financial situation. These estimates may include projected percentage or dollar changes in costs and must outline expenses for the normal duration of a student's program. Schools opting for single-year tuition schedules must also disclose the average deviation between past estimates and actual costs.

H.R.937 — Protecting Taxpayers from Student Loan Bailouts Act

Topic: Debt Forgiveness Programs & Cancellation
Sponsor: Rep. Grothman [R-WI]
Introduced: 02/04/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would limit ED's authority to propose or issue regulations and executive actions related to federal student aid. It prohibits ED from advancing any regulation or executive action deemed economically significant—defined as having an annual economic impact of $100 million or more—if it would increase subsidy costs. If a proposed regulation is found to raise subsidy costs, ED is barred from taking further action on it.

S.383 — JOBS Act of 2025

Topic: Pell Grants
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine [D-VA]
Introduced: 02/04/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. It would define eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education that provides at least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least 8 weeks and licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.

S.377 — Students Helping Young Students Act of 2025

Topic: Campus-Based Programs
Sponsor: Sen. Booker [D-NJ]
Introduced: 02/03/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would establish a Federal Work-Study program that enables college students to work in off-campus after-school programs at eligible elementary and secondary schools by expanding the definition of community service to include after-school activities and allows institutions receiving Federal Work-Study funds to allocate them for student employment in these programs. It directs ED to create a registration process for eligible schools and establish participation standards. Priority is given to schools serving low-income communities, and students involved must receive appropriate training. 

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January 2025

H.R.899 —To terminate the Department of Education.

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Massie [R-KY]
Introduced: 01/31/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would terminate the Department of Education. 

S.308 — Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act

Topic: Loan Program Reform
Sponsor: Sen. Tuberville [R-AL] 
Introduced: 01/29/2025 
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would set new borrowing limits for graduate ($20,500 annually, $65,000 total) and professional students ($40,500 annually, $130,000 total). A phase-out provision allows certain continuing students to borrow under previous limits for the 2025-2026 award year if they received a loan disbursement in 2024-2025 and have not graduated. The Graduate PLUS Loan program will end for graduate and professional students after June 30, 2025, and institutions must notify students of this change within 30 days of enactment. Institutions may also set institutionally-determined loan limits, allowing financial aid administrators to prorate or cap borrowing amounts for all students in a program, as long as policies are applied consistently.

H.R.746 — America First Act

Topic: Immigration
Sponsor: Rep. Arrington [R-TX]
Introduced: 01/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would change eligibility for financial aid and federal benefit programs. The bill removes FAFSA eligibility for non-citizens, making them ineligible for federal student aid, including grants and loans. The bill would also prohibit access to federal benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid, as well as require proof of citizenship for WIC and school meal programs. These changes primarily affect non-citizen students by limiting access to financial aid and federal assistance programs.

H.R.777 — Closing the College Hunger Gap Act

Topic: Improving Affordability
Sponsor: Rep. Hayes [D-CT]
Introduced: 01/28/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require ED to notify students with a zero or negative Student Aid Index about their potential eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This notification must be sent in both written and electronic form and include contact information for the state agency administering SNAP. 

H.R.713 — Preventing Financial Exploitation in Higher Education Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Van Duyne [R-TX]
Introduced: 01/23/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: The bill proposes penalties for institutions based on their cohort default rates, cohort delinquency rates, and cohort underpayment rates. For fiscal year 2025, institutions with a cohort default rate of 11% or higher would face a penalty equal to 30% of the total outstanding balance of principal and interest on affected loans.

H.R.632/S.207— Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Roy [R-TX]/Sen. Daines [R-MT]
Introduced: 01/22/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit federal funding for any higher education institution that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based health clinic providing abortion drugs or performing abortions. To remain eligible for federal funds, such institutions must submit an annual report certifying compliance. The bill specifies that "school-based service sites" include campus health clinics but exclude hospitals.

S.163 — Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025

Topic: Consumer Information and Transparency
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy [R-LA]
Introduced: 01/21/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would require colleges receiving federal student aid to share information about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, including a link to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint webpage. The Department of Education must run a public awareness campaign on Title VI rights, with materials displayed in high-traffic campus areas and online. Congress will receive monthly briefings on Title VI complaints, investigations, and case resolution times. Colleges must report annually on discrimination complaints received, with audits for institutions with the highest complaint rates.

H.R.542 — No Foreign Gifts Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Torres [D-NY]
Introduced: 01/16/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) and would prohibit institutions from receiving gifts from countries that have provided material support to foreign terrorist organizations, as determined by the Secretary of State. Institutions would also be prohibited from receiving gifts from China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran. Institutions that want to receive funding under the HEA must report to the Secretary of State any instance in which the institution is offered a gift from the entities outlined in the bill.

H.R.433 — Department of Education Protection Act

Topic: Appropriations & Budget
Sponsor: Rep. Hayes [D-CT]
Introduced: 01/15/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill prohibits the use of previously appropriated funds to implement any reorganization of the Department of Education.. The bill specifically prevents decentralization, staff reductions, or changes to the Department’s structure, authority, or functions compared to its state on January 1, 2025.

H.R.455 — Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Steube [R-FL]
Introduced: 01/15/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that employ instructors funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under the bill, any institution employing a CCP-funded instructor—defined as anyone teaching students while receiving direct or indirect financial support from the CCP—would be ineligible for federal financial assistance.

H.R.369 — States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025

Topic: Quality and Accountability
Sponsor: Rep. Rouzer [R-NC]
Introduced: 01/13/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would eliminate the Department of Education, asserting that educational authority should reside with states and local communities. The bill outlines the transfer of existing federal education programs to other departments: job training programs to the Department of Labor, special education grants to the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian education programs to the Department of the Interior, Impact Aid programs to the Department of Defense, and federal student aid programs to the Department of the Treasury. Within 90 days of enactment, the Government Accountability Office is required to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing state and local education funding by reducing federal taxes and eliminating federal education grants.

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