Stearns Support House Approval of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act

Press Release

Stearns Support House Approval of the College Opportunity and Affordability Act

"The Higher Education Act authorizes a variety of federal programs that make a college education more affordable and more accessible," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "In addition to reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, this measure includes important provisions to help more Americans attend college. It also increases transparency in college tuitions and fees, public and private financial aid, and the accreditation process, which should reduce college costs."

The House today approved H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Explained Stearns, "This bill increases the amount of Pell Grants to $9000 from the current level of $5800 and allows students to receive Pell Grants year round. It also expands TRIO and Upward Bound programs, and provides grants to expand nursing programs. Finally, it authorizes grants to institutions to establish centers to support veteran students."

As originally written, the bill would have calculated eligibility for competitive grants based only on the percentage increase of tuition, which would have penalized Florida institutions because they have the lowest tuition in the country. Stearns joined in urging the leadership to change this provision, and an amendment was adopted earlier today altering this eligibility to protect Florida's programs.

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