Legislative Tracker: Improving Affordability
On this page, you'll find proposals that aim to improve affordability in innovative ways for students outside of grant or campus-based aid funding proposals.
H.R.7232 — AID Act
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.6282 — Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act
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.
H.R.3165 — Student Loan Tax Elimination Act
Sponsor: Rep. Smucker [R-PA]
Introduced: 05/01/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would eliminate origination fees on federal student loans.
S.1347 — Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025
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.2664 — Unnamed
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.1176 — Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act
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.777 — Closing the College Hunger Gap Act
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.
Legislative Tracker Overview | Archive: Improving Affordability
Publication Date: 1/22/2026