Debt-Free College Act: Support for Students and Public Institutions.
This act aims to make higher education more accessible at in-state public institutions by eliminating student debt. It establishes State-Federal partnerships to cover students' unmet financial needs and extends Pell Grant eligibility to DREAMer students. Additionally, it supports programs to improve college completion rates and educational quality.
Key points
Debt-Free College: Students at in-state public institutions can receive aid to cover educational costs, avoiding debt.
DREAMer Student Eligibility: Individuals meeting specific criteria, including those who arrived in the U.S. as children, can qualify for Federal Pell Grants.
Increased Investment in Education: Participating states must increase their spending on public higher education and maintain low tuition fees.
College Completion Programs: A portion of funds will be allocated to programs assisting students, especially low-income ones, in completing their studies.
Support for HBCUs and MSIs: Special grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions to provide debt-free education.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1263
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Process start date: 2021-04-21