The Higher Education Act, signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, profoundly influences almost every facet of higher education in America.
Today, this law governs federal student aid, including all loans and grants and work-study. It defines what constitutes an academic year and “gainful employment.” And it authorizes numerous other federal programs that send taxpayer money to colleges and universities.
Critically, the Higher Education Act cemented federally approved accrediting agencies as gatekeepers to student financial aid, establishing a troubled marriage between accreditors and Congress. Conservatives have called for reforms to the Higher Education Act since 2014, the last time it was due for reauthorization.
In January, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, introduced HR 6951, legislation to…
