HR 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, would increase housing stipends for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to take fully online courses. Currently, veterans enrolled solely in distance learning programs receive only 50% of the standard housing allowance; this bill removes that restriction, providing full housing stipends for online students attending more than half-time. The change applies to all veterans pursuing online degrees under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ensuring they receive the same housing support as on-campus students. The policy takes effect for terms beginning August 1, 2025.
This bill imposes a 6% annual tax on the total value of endowments exceeding $11.9 billion for most private universities (or $10.5 billion for state-operated colleges), effective for 2025 taxable years. It directly affects large non-religious private universities meeting these asset thresholds, excluding religious institutions and assets used for their core educational purposes. The tax applies to the end-of-year value of endowment assets not directly supporting the institution's exempt educational mission. This is a direct tax change with no mention of funding allocation or policy outcomes in the bill text.
HR 1635, the Pell to Grad Act, extends the maximum eligibility period for Federal Pell Grants from 12 to 16 semesters. It specifically allows students who received Pell Grants for their first undergraduate degree (but completed fewer than 16 semesters of study) to continue using Pell Grants for a subsequent postbaccalaureate program at an eligible institution. This change directly affects undergraduate students who need additional study after their bachelor's degree, such as for certification or a second major, provided they met specific prior Pell Grant usage and eligibility criteria. The bill amends the Higher Education Act to adjust the duration limits for Pell Grant eligibility.
This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to create regulations that reimburse ROTC students for educational costs if they are later found medically ineligible for continued participation. It directly affects students enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at participating colleges who undergo medical eligibility reviews while still required to attend classes. The regulations must cover tuition, fees, lab expenses, and room and board incurred during the review period, with reimbursement processed within 90 days of a claim submission. This policy change ensures students aren’t financially burdened by medical ineligibility decisions that occur after they’ve already paid for their education.
The Cyber PIVOTT Act creates a program to build a skilled cyber workforce by providing full tuition scholarships to students in two-year cyber or cyber-relevant associate's degree programs at participating community colleges and technical schools. The program requires scholarship recipients to complete a two-year service obligation in a cyber role for federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government, with exceptions for military service. It includes mandatory skills-based exercises, internships with government agencies or critical infrastructure sectors, and a database of cyber training resources mapped to job roles. The program aims to enroll 250 students in its first year, doubling annually until reaching 1,000 students per year, with a long-term goal of 10,000 students annually within ten years.
The POST Act of 2025 requires for-profit colleges receiving federal student aid to generate at least 15% of their revenue from non-federal sources, such as tuition, fees, and approved job training contracts, to maintain eligibility for federal funding. It defines "non-federal revenue" to include tuition, campus-based student activities, and non-eligible program fees (e.g., courses not covered by federal aid), while excluding institutional loans, certain scholarships, and most federal funds. Institutions failing this 15% threshold would lose eligibility for at least two years and must demonstrate compliance for two consecutive fiscal years to regain it. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress detailing each institution's revenue sources from federal and non-federal streams.
HR 1434 authorizes $200 million to $240 million annually (2026-2030) to fund summer youth employment programs for participants under 25, primarily targeting high-unemployment and high-crime communities. It provides competitive grants to states, local governments, or nonprofits to create or expand programs that include subsidized jobs (minimum wage, 4+ weeks), mentoring, career counseling, and post-program support - aimed at improving high school graduation, college enrollment, employment, and reducing crime rates. The bill prioritizes programs serving underserved youth (including rural/suburban areas) and requires grantees to implement specific elements like job training, digital literacy, and employer matching. An Advisory Board oversees grant reviews, evaluates program impact, and maintains a database of outcomes to ensure evidence-based improvements.
HR 2664 amends the Higher Education Act to allow historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to use federal grant funds for specific arts, arts education, and cultural programs. The bill adds new provisions enabling HBCUs to provide financial aid to arts students, establish outreach programs for arts departments, offer comprehensive support services (like mentorship and career advising), maintain Black art collections, and create paid internships through partnerships with arts organizations. It also authorizes HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these activities. This amendment directly affects HBCUs by expanding allowable grant uses to address historical underfunding and strengthen arts education.
This bill requires U.S. colleges and universities to update their anti-harassment policies to explicitly cover online communications (like emails and social media) and all campus activities, including off-campus events and dormitories. It mandates institutions to create clear procedures for reporting harassment based on protected characteristics (such as race, gender identity, or disability), including how they will investigate and respond to incidents. The bill also creates a new $50 million annual grant program to fund schools developing prevention programs, counseling services, or training for students and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. These requirements supplement existing federal civil rights laws like Title IX but do not replace them.
This bill requires landlords to count VA educational benefits (like tuition assistance for veterans and their families) as income when evaluating rental applications, preventing discrimination against veterans using these benefits. It also limits lease terms to match the duration of the educational benefits and adds a 60-day grace period if veterans temporarily miss program requirements (e.g., missing a class or appointment), preventing immediate loss of benefits. Landlords violating these rules face penalties, including fines or exclusion from federal housing programs. The law directly affects veterans, students, and families receiving VA education benefits who seek housing.
