Higher Education Authorization Act Changes Being Introduced For Committee Debate

All sectors of higher education needs to closely follow the US House Education and Workforce Committee as it gets presented the Republican members of the committee reauthorization bill.  

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has issued the following update:

House GOP HEA Update

"The Republican Members of the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee are likely to introduce, as early as tomorrow, their version of a Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization bill. A markup on this legislation could also come as early as next week. Inside Higher Ed reported summary information on the bill. Specific policy provisions that we expect to be included in this legislation are:

  • Elimination or capping of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other HEA loan forgiveness programs for teachers and income-drive repayment plans
  • Consolidation of existing loan programs with more restrictive loan limits, especially for graduate students
  • Expedited return of unearned Title IV aid when a student drops out 
  • Significant changes to accreditation agency operations and processes
  • Authorizes new funds for apprenticeships and other work experiences
  • Expands the Pell Grant program to cover short-term courses"
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