1. Federal Policy
  2. Higher Education Act

Higher Education Act



Overview

Status in the House: On October 15, 2019 Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor, introduced H.R. 4674, the College Affordability Act (CAA). After markup hearings in late October, the bill was approved and reported out of committee on October 30, 2019 along party lines, 28-22. Currently, the CAA is waiting to be brought to the House floor.

Status in the Senate: On September 26, 2019, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Student Aid Improvement Act (S. 2557). This “mini-HEA” included only a few items with priorities of both Democrats and Republicans, and the bill is currently stalled in committee. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiations between parties were still ongoing. The Senare HELP Committee also held a series of hearings related to HEA reauthorization from fall 2017 through early 2018.

Advance CTE Recommendations:  Advance CTE advocates for HEA reauthorization based on these recommendations, which reflect the input and priorities of our members and our vision, Without Limits: A Shared Vision for the Future of Career Technical Education.

Purpose: HEA governs nearly all federal financial aid programs for the nation’s postsecondary students. The vast majority of HEA funding flows through Title IV of the legislation, which oversees the administration of the various student loan and grant programs such as the federal Pell grant.

Connection to Career Technical Education (CTE): In addition to CTE at the middle or high school level, students can participate in CTE at postsecondary institutions, including community colleges and technical colleges. HEA expands access to postsecondary education and provides the opportunity to align postsecondary with workforce development.

Resources on Current Law

Resources on the Reauthorization Process