Higher Education Access.
Originally enacted in 1965, the Higher Education Act (HEA) governs most student aid programs implemented at the federal level. Ninety-five percent of HEA funding is through Title IV programs, such as Pell Grants, which provide tuition assistance to people enrolling in college or other approved courses of study after high school. Despite the fact that nearly three-quarters of all undergraduates—such as part-time students, students enrolled in non-credit vocational education at local community colleges, and other working adults—are “non-traditional” students, tuition assistance too often remains targeted toward traditional students. There is growing focus at the federal level on promoting the attainment of postsecondary credentials; National Skills Coalition is actively working to ensure that such policies benefit all individuals across skill levels through multiple pathways.
This page contains materials and analysis, developed by National Skills Coaltion, about expanding access to higher education for all Americans.
National Skills Coalition Platform and Overview
NSC Gainful Employment Recommendations | September 2010
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA):
- As enacted under the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act | April 2010
- As originally legislated:
Recommendations | January 2010
Summary | Updated January 2010
Trade Adjustment Assistance:
- Community College and Career Training Grant Program: Section-by-Section Analysis | April 2010
- Industry or Sector Partnership Grant Program: Section-by-Section Analysis | February 2009
Overview of Pell Grant Program (Under Title IV of HEA) | Training Policy in Brief, 2011
Current Law
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act | 2010
Higher Education Opportunity Act | 2008
College Cost Reduction and Access Act | 2007
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Reauthorization of Pell Grant and student loan programs) | 2006
Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 | 1998
Agency Materials
Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) | Department of Labor
Other Resources
Congress Expands Student Aid and Supports Innovation in Student Success, Basic Skills, and Workforce Partnerships | Center for Law and Social Policy, September 2008
A Strong Step for Students: House Higher Education Bill Promotes Innovation and Student Success | Center for Law and Social Policy, February 2008
New Student Aid Changes Help Nontraditional Students | Center for Law and Social Policy, May 2006
