Introduction
As Congress continues the important work of renewing the Higher Education Act, New America’s Higher Education Initiative is committed to supporting the interests of students, their families, and the American taxpayer through original research, analysis, and policy recommendations. The next reauthorization should not only renew legislative text, but it should also renew the very ideas and principles on which the original bill was founded.
About Us
New America’s Higher Education Initiative works to make higher education more accessible, innovative, outcomes-focused, and equitable for today's students. More information on New America’s Education Policy program is available here.
Recent Updates
Our team of higher education experts periodically provides commentary and analysis on higher education-related issues ranging from FAFSA simplification to consumer protection, to student outcomes. Stay up to date on the latest analysis from our EdCentral blog.
Our Recommendations for Reauthorization
New America's Higher Education Initiative recently responded to a request from Sens. Jones, Warren, Harris, and Cortez Masto to provide recommendations on how Congress can protect borrowers of color and ensure more equitable outcomes for all students of color in higher education.
We also submitted recommendations to the Senate HELP Committee for the next reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The recommendations cover a wide array of topics, including federal financial aid, accountability, and postsecondary data.
Our advocacy team provided separate comments on a few specific issues in response to a white paper from Chairman Alexander on accountability (gainful employment, cohort default rate, and the 90-10 rule).
To open our recommendations on borrowers of color in a new window, click here.
Current Legislation
Click the links below to find higher education-related legislation (bills, resolutions, etc.) by chamber of Congress.
116th Congress:
Earlier this year, Rep. Bobby Scott introduced the College Affordability Act; read our thoughts on affordability, accountability, and educator preparation in the bill. And Sen. Lamar Alexander introduced the Student Aid Improvement Act. Last year, Rep. Virginia Foxx introduced the PROSPER Act; check out our quick analysis, as well as our deeper dives into financial aid simplification, innovation, and accountability.
Our Resources
Higher Ed Index
Ever find yourself frustrated by having to weave together data from a number of different Department of Education sources? Same here. That’s why we made it a little easier. New America’s Higher Ed Index is the authoritative source of easily-accessible information on federal higher education data. It allows you to view higher education data over time at the institution, state, and national levels.
Higher Education Act (HEA)
Looking for text of the Higher Education? Check out this bill compilation, which reflects all of the HEA reauthorizations and other legislative changes through December 2017.
The Original Higher Education Act of 1965
For text of the original Higher Education Act of 1965, click here.
Past Reauthorizations
Since its inception, the Higher Education Act has only been reauthorized eight times. NOTE: this does not include stand-alone legislation, appropriations, and budget reconciliation.
- Higher Education Amendments of 1968
- Higher Education Amendments of 1972
- Higher Education Amendments of 1976
- Higher Education Amendments of 1980
- Higher Education Amendments of 1986
- Higher Education Amendments of 1992
- Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998
- Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008
Budget Reconciliation
Substantive changes to the Higher Education Act have also been made through a Congressional process called budget reconciliation.
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981
- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993
- Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
- Balanced Budget Act of 1997
- Deficit Reduction Act of 2005
- College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007
- Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010