The Higher Education Act

What is it?
This extremely significant legislation regulating many aspects of higher education, from financial aid to fire safety reporting, turned 50 years old at the end of 2013. It is currently up for renewal and has been running on a series of temporary extensions.  There have been efforts in each Congress to pass a bill or series of bills; however, none have ever gone beyond the committee level.

The American Council on Education (ACE), an association of which SU is a member, joined other leading higher education associations in submitting suggestions for rewriting the Higher Education Act.

Why Does it Matter?
The Higher Education Act determines how federal dollars are awarded to colleges and students. It dictates the framework and timing for loans, accreditation, and so much more.

The Office of Government and Community Relations will continue to follow progress on this legislation in the 117th Congress and will post updates to this website.  For more information, contact us at gcr@syr.edu.