119-hr3543

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3543 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 3543

 To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure College for the 
 Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure College for All.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 May 21, 2025

 Ms. Jayapal (for herself, Ms. Balint, Mr. Casar, Mr. Garcia of 
Illinois, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fields, 
 Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Khanna, Ms. Lee of 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. McGarvey, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Norton, Ms. 
 Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Pallone, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. 
 Torres of New York, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Vargas, 
 and Ms. Williams of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was 
 referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition 
to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
 of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
 concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

 To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure College for the 
 Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure College for All.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 This Act may be cited as the ``College for All Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

 The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.

Sec. 2. Table of contents.
 TITLE I--FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP TO FULLY ELIMINATE TUITION AND 
 REQUIRED FEES

Sec. 101. Federal-state partnership to fully eliminate tuition and 
 required fees.
 TITLE II--GRANT PROGRAM TO ELIMINATE TUITION AND FEES FOR ELIGIBLE 
 STUDENTS AT PRIVATE NONPROFIT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND 
 UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

Sec. 201. Grant program to eliminate tuition and fees for eligible 
 students at private nonprofit historically 
 Black colleges and universities and 
 minority-serving institutions.

Sec. 202. Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, United States 
 Virgin Islands, Guam, and Freely Associated 
 States college access.
 TITLE III--FEDERAL PELL GRANT IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 301. Federal Pell Grant improvements.
 TITLE IV--INCLUSIVE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANTS

Sec. 401. Inclusive student success grants.
 TITLE V--INCREASING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Sec. 501. Increasing success for low-income and first generation 
 students.
TITLE VI--INVESTMENTS IN HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, 
 TRIBAL COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES, AND OTHER MINORITY-SERVING 
 INSTITUTIONS

Sec. 601. Appropriations for historically Black colleges and 
 universities, Tribal colleges and 
 universities, and minority-serving 
 institutions.
 TITLE VII--SNYDER ACT

Sec. 701. Rule of construction regarding the Snyder Act.

 TITLE I--FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP TO FULLY ELIMINATE TUITION AND 
 REQUIRED FEES

SEC. 101. FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP TO FULLY ELIMINATE TUITION AND 
 REQUIRED FEES.

 Title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1133 et 
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 ``PART F--COLLEGE FOR ALL

 ``Subpart 1--Grants for Tuition-Free Public College

``

SEC. 783. PURPOSE.

 ``The purpose of this subpart is to establish a Federal-State 
partnership with States and Tribal Colleges and Universities to provide 
for the elimination of tuition and required fees for eligible students.

``

SEC. 784. DEFINITIONS.

 ``In this subpart:
 ``

    (1) Award year.--The term `award year' has the meaning 
 given the term in 

section 481

    (a) .
 ``

    (2) Community college.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The term `community college' 
 means--
 ``
            (i) a public institution of higher 
 education at which--
 ``
            (I) the highest degree awarded is 
 an associate degree; or
 ``
            (II) an associate degree is the 
 most frequently awarded degree;
 ``
            (ii) a public postsecondary vocational 
 institution, as defined under 

section 102
            (c) ; 
 or
 ``
            (iii) at the designation of the 
 Secretary, in the case of a State in which 
 there is no community college operated or 
 controlled by the State that meets a definition 
 under clause
            (i) or
            (ii) , a college or 
 similarly defined and structured academic 
 entity--
 ``
            (I) that was in existence on July 
 1, 2025;
 ``
            (II) within a public 4-year 
 institution of higher education; and
 ``
            (III) at which--
 ``

    (aa) the highest degree 
 awarded is an associate degree; 
 or
 ``

    (bb) an associate degree 
 is the most frequently awarded 
 degree.
 ``
        (B) Community colleges operated or controlled by 
 a state to include community colleges operated or 
 controlled by local governments within the state.--The 
 terms `community college operated or controlled by a 
 State' and `community college operated or controlled by 
 the State' includes a community college operated or 
 controlled by a local government within such State.
 ``

    (3) Cost of attendance.--The term `cost of attendance' 
 has the meaning given the term in 

section 472.
 ``

    (4) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term 
 `dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given 
 the term in 

section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
 Education Act of 1965.
 ``

    (5) Early college high school.--The term `early college 
 high school' has the meaning given the term in 

section 8101 of 
 the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
 ``

    (6) Eligible student.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The term `eligible student' 
 means an individual, regardless of age or immigration 
 status, who has not obtained a baccalaureate degree or 
 higher degree and--
 ``
            (i) in the case of a student enrolled in 
 a community college or a 2-year Tribal College 
 or University--
 ``
            (I) is enrolled, or plans to 
 enroll, as an undergraduate student in 
 an eligible program (as defined in 
 

section 481

    (b) ) at a community college 
 in the State in which the individual is 
 a resident or in a 2-year Tribal 
 College or University;
 ``
            (II) and who is enrolled in a 
 community college that charges 
 different tuition rates on the basis on 
 residency, either--
 ``

    (aa) qualifies for in-
 State resident tuition at such 
 community college; or
 ``

    (bb) would qualify for 
 such in-State resident tuition 
 at such community college, but 
 for the student's immigration 
 status;
 ``
            (III) is not enrolled in a dual 
 or concurrent enrollment program or an 
 early college high school; and
 ``
            (IV) who is eligible to complete 
 the Free Application for Federal 
 Student Aid under 

section 483

    (a) , has 
 filed such application for the 
 applicable award year for which the 
 student is enrolled; or
 ``
            (ii) in the case of a student enrolled in 
 an eligible 4-year institution of higher 
 education--
 ``
            (I) is enrolled, or plans to 
 enroll, as an undergraduate student in 
 an eligible program (as defined in 
 

section 481

    (b) ) at a public 4-year 
 institution of higher education or in a 
 4-year Tribal College or University;
 ``
            (II) is a working class or middle 
 class student, as described in 

section 787

    (a)

    (3) ;
 ``
            (III) who is enrolled in a public 
 4-year institution of higher education 
 that charges different tuition rates 
 based on residency, either--
 ``

    (aa) qualifies for in-
 State resident tuition at such 
 institution; or
 ``

    (bb) would qualify for 
 such in-State resident tuition 
 at such institution, but for 
 the student's immigration 
 status;
 ``
            (IV) is not enrolled in a dual or 
 concurrent enrollment program or an 
 early college high school; and
 ``
            (V) who is eligible to complete 
 the Free Application for Federal 
 Student Aid under 

section 483

    (a) , has 
 filed such application for the 
 applicable award year for which the 
 student is enrolled.
 ``
        (B) Rule of construction.--For purposes of 
 subparagraph
        (A) , in-State resident tuition includes 
 in-district tuition and out-of-district in-State 
 tuition.
 ``

    (7) 4-year tribal college or university.--The term `4-
 year Tribal College or University' means a Tribal College or 
 University that is not a 2-year Tribal College or University.
 ``

    (8) Full-time equivalent students.--The term `full-time 
 equivalent students' means the sum of the number of students 
 enrolled full time at an institution, plus the full-time 
 equivalent of the number of students enrolled part time 
 (determined on the basis of the quotient of the sum of the 
 credit hours of all part-time students divided by 12) at such 
 institution.
 ``

    (9) Institution of higher education.--The term 
 `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
 term in 

section 101

    (a) .
 ``

    (10) Net price.--The term `net price' means the 
 difference between cost of attendance and the sum of only 
 grants and institutional and State scholarships.
 ``

    (11) Public 4-year institution of higher education.--The 
 term `public 4-year institution of higher education' means a 
 public institution of higher education that is not a community 
 college.
 ``

    (12) Reverse transfer 

=== policy ===
-The term `reverse transfer 
 policy' means a policy or program that allows an institution of 
 higher education to--
 ``
        (A) implement a process of retroactively granting 
 a certificate or associate degree to a student who had 
 not completed the requirements for such certificate or 
 degree before the student transferred; or
 ``
        (B) allow academic credits for coursework 
 completed at a 4-year institution of higher education 
 to be applied to a previously attended community 
 college for the purpose of obtaining an associate 
 degree or a certificate.
 ``

    (13) State fiscal support for higher education.--
 ``
        (A) Inclusions.--
 ``
            (i) In general.--Except as provided in 
 subparagraph
        (B) , the term `State fiscal 
 support for higher education', used with 
 respect to a State for such State's fiscal 
 year, means an amount that is equal to--
 ``
            (I) the amount of applicable 
 State funds appropriated by the State, 
 including funds from lottery receipts, 
 in the fiscal year, that are used to 
 support institutions of higher 
 education and student financial aid for 
 higher education in the State; and
 ``
            (II) any funds described in 
 clause
            (ii) , if applicable.
 ``
            (ii) Local funds.--In the case of a State 
 that includes, as part of the State share under 
 

section 786

    (b)

    (2)
        (B) for an award year, funds 
 provided to community colleges by local 
 governments in such State for the purpose of 
 carrying out this subpart, local funds provided 
 to community colleges operated or controlled by 
 the State for operating expenses (excluding 
 capital expenses, research and development 
 costs, and local funds that are included in the 
 State share under 

section 786

    (b)

    (2)
        (B) ) shall 
 be included in the calculation of the State 
 fiscal support for higher education under 
 clause
            (i) .
 ``
        (B) Exclusions.--State fiscal support for higher 
 education for a State fiscal year does not include--
 ``
            (i) funds described in subparagraph
        (A) that are returned to the State;
 ``
            (ii) State-appropriated funds derived 
 from Federal sources, including funds provided 
 under sections 786

    (a) and 801;
 ``
            (iii) funds that are included in the 
 State share under 

section 786

    (b) , except as 
 provided in subparagraph
        (A)
            (ii) , including 
 funds included in the State share in accordance 
 with paragraph

    (2)
        (A) of such section;
 ``
            (iv) amounts that are portions of 
 multiyear appropriations to be distributed over 
 multiple years that are not to be spent for the 
 year for which the calculation under this 
 paragraph is being made, subject to 
 subparagraph
            (C) ;
 ``
            (v) tuition, fees, or other educational 
 charges paid directly by a student to an 
 institution of higher education or to the 
 State;
 ``
            (vi) funds for--
 ``
            (I) financial aid to students 
 attending, or operating expenses of--
 ``

    (aa) out-of-State 
 institutions of higher 
 education (including for the 
 purpose of exclusive online 
 enrollment at an out-of-State 
 institution);
 ``

    (bb) proprietary 
 institutions of higher 
 education (as defined in 
 

section 102

    (b) ); or
 ``
            (cc) institutions of 
 higher education not accredited 
 by an agency or association 
 recognized by the Secretary 
 pursuant to 

section 496;
 ``
            (II) financial aid to students 
 awarded predominantly or significantly 
 on the basis of merit;
 ``
            (III) research and development; 
 or
 ``
            (IV) hospitals, athletics, or 
 other auxiliary enterprises;
 ``
            (vii) corporate or other private 
 donations directed to 1 or more institutions of 
 higher education permitted to be expended by 
 the State; and
 ``
            (viii) any other funds that the Secretary 
 determines shall not be included in the 
 calculation of State fiscal support for higher 
 education for such State.
 ``
            (C) Adjustments for biennial appropriations.--The 
 Secretary shall make adjustments to the calculations 
 under this paragraph to accurately reflect State fiscal 
 support for higher education in States with 2-year 
 appropriation cycles.
 ``

    (14) State fiscal support for higher education per full-
 time equivalent student.--The term `State fiscal support for 
 higher education per full-time equivalent student', when used 
 with respect to a State for a fiscal year, means the amount 
 that is equal to--
 ``
        (A) the State fiscal support for higher education 
 for the applicable fiscal year; divided by
 ``
        (B) the number of full-time equivalent students 
 enrolled in public institutions of higher education in 
 such State for such fiscal year.
 ``

    (15) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal 
 College or University' has the meaning given the term in 
 

section 316

    (b)

    (3) .
 ``

    (16) 2-year tribal college or university.--The term `2-
 year Tribal College or University' means--
 ``
        (A) a 2-year Tribal College or University; or
 ``
        (B) a degree-granting Tribal College or 
 University--
 ``
            (i) at which the highest degree awarded 
 is an associate degree; or
 ``
            (ii) at which an associate degree is the 
 most frequently awarded degree.

``

SEC. 785. GRANT AWARDS.

 ``Beginning with award year 2026-2027, from amounts appropriated 
under 

section 791 to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, the 
Secretary shall award grants to States and Tribal College and 
Universities with applications approved under 

section 789, to enable 
the States and Tribal Colleges and Universities, through a Federal-
State partnership, to fully eliminate tuition and required fees for all 
eligible students.

``

SEC. 786. FEDERAL SHARE; STATE SHARE.

 ``

    (a) Federal Share.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--
 ``
        (A) Amount.--Subject to paragraph

    (2) , the amount 
 of the Federal share of a grant under this subpart 
 shall be based on a formula that provides, for each 
 eligible student enrolled in a community college 
 operated or controlled by a State, a Tribal College or 
 University, or a public 4-year institution of higher 
 education in a State, a per-student amount (based on 
 full-time equivalent enrollment) that is equal to the 
 applicable percentage described in subparagraph
        (B) , or 
 the percentage described in paragraph

    (2) with respect 
 to a Tribal College or University, of--
 ``
            (i) for the 2026-2027 award year, not 
 less than the sum of the product of $5,110 
 multiplied by the number of eligible students 
 enrolled at such a community college or 2-year 
 Tribal College or University and the product of 
 $11,610 multiplied by the number of eligible 
 students enrolled at such a public 4-year 
 institution of higher education or 4-year 
 Tribal College or University; and
 ``
            (ii) for each subsequent award year, the 
 amount determined under this paragraph for the 
 preceding award year, increased by the lesser 
 of--
 ``
            (I) a percentage equal to the 
 estimated percentage increase in the 
 Consumer Price Index (as determined by 
 the Secretary) since the date of such 
 determination; or
 ``
            (II) 3 percent.
 ``
        (B) Applicable percent.--The applicable percent 
 for a State receiving a grant under this subpart shall 
 be--
 ``
            (i) for the 2026-2027 award year, 100 
 percent;
 ``
            (ii) for the 2027-2028 award year, 95 
 percent;
 ``
            (iii) for the 2028-2029 award year, 90 
 percent;
 ``
            (iv) for the 2029-2030 award year, 85 
 percent; and
 ``
            (v) for the 2030-2031 award year and each 
 subsequent award year, 80 percent.
 ``

    (2) Tribal colleges and universities.--The amount of the 
 Federal share for a Tribal College or University receiving a 
 grant under this subpart shall be the greater of--
 ``
        (A) 100 percent of the amount determined in 
 accordance with clause
            (i) or
            (ii) of subparagraph

    (1)
        (A) , as applicable, with respect to eligible 
 students enrolled in such Tribal College or University; 
 or
 ``
        (B) the amount that is 100 percent of the total 
 amount needed to fully eliminate tuition and fees for 
 all eligible students enrolled in such Tribal College 
 or University for the 2026-2027 award year, increased 
 by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index 
 (as determined by the Secretary) between July 1, 2026, 
 and the applicable award year, and adjusted to reflect 
 the enrollment in such Tribal College or University for 
 such applicable award year.
 ``

    (b) State Share.--
 ``

    (1) Formula.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The amount of the State share of 
 a grant under this subpart for each award year shall be 
 equal to the applicable percent described in 
 subparagraph
        (B) of the total amount determined under 
 subsection

    (a)

    (1)
        (A) with respect to the State for the 
 award year.
 ``
        (B) Applicable percent.--The applicable 
 percentage shall be--
 ``
            (i) for the 2026-2027 award year, 0 
 percent;
 ``
            (ii) for the 2027-2028 award year, 5 
 percent;
 ``
            (iii) for the 2028-2029 award year, 10 
 percent;
 ``
            (iv) for the 2029-2030 award year, 15 
 percent; and
 ``
            (v) for the 2030-2031 award year and each 
 subsequent award year, 20 percent.
 ``
            (C) Obligation to provide share.--The State shall 
 provide the State share even if the State is able, 
 without such State share, to fully eliminate tuition 
 and required fees charged to eligible students 
 attending community colleges operated or controlled by 
 the State or public 4-year institutions of higher 
 education in the State.
 ``
            (D) No double counting funds.--States shall not 
 count any funds that count toward the maintenance of 
 effort requirement in 

section 787

    (b) to also count 
 toward the State share under this subsection.
 ``
        (E) Special rule for outlying areas and 
 territories.--
 ``
            (i) In general.--If the Secretary 
 determines that requiring an outlying area or 
 territory to provide a State share in 
 accordance with this subsection would represent 
 a substantial hardship for the outlying area or 
 territory, the Secretary shall reduce or waive 
 the State share for such area or territory. If 
 the Secretary so reduces or waives the amount 
 of the State share of an outlying area or 
 territory, the Secretary shall increase the 
 applicable percentage used to calculate the 
 Federal share under subsection

    (a) for such 
 area or territory, in proportion to the 
 reduction in the applicable percentage used to 
 calculate such State share.
 ``
            (ii) === Definition. ===
-In this subparagraph, 
 the term `outlying area or territory' means the 
 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of 
 Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United 
 States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the 
 Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely 
 Associated States.
 ``

    (2) Inclusion of state financial aid and local funds.--In 
 the case of a State that demonstrates to the satisfaction of 
 the Secretary that community colleges operated or controlled by 
 the State and 4-year public institutions of higher education in 
 the State will not experience a net reduction in total per-
 student revenue (including revenue derived from tuition and 
 fees) as compared to that revenue for the preceding State 
 fiscal year in such State, a State may include, as part of the 
 State share--
 ``
        (A) any financial aid that is provided from State 
 funds to eligible students for such students' cost of 
 attendance at community colleges operated or controlled 
 by the State and 4-year public institutions of higher 
 education in the State that is not awarded 
 predominantly on the basis of merit; and
 ``
        (B) any funds provided to community colleges 
 operated or controlled by the State and 4-year public 
 institutions of higher education in the State by local 
 governments in such State for the purpose of carrying 
 out this subpart, including for the purpose of 
 eliminating tuition and fees for eligible students.
 ``

    (3) No in-kind contributions.--A State shall not include 
 in-kind contributions for purposes of the State share described 
 in paragraph

    (1) .
 ``
            (c) Determination of Number of Eligible Students.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--
 ``
        (A) Determination.--For purposes of subsections

    (a) and

    (b) , the Secretary shall, in consultation with 
 the State or Tribal College or University concerned, 
 determine the estimated number of eligible students 
 enrolled in the community colleges operated or 
 controlled by the State and in the public 4-year 
 institutions of higher education in the State or in 
 such Tribal College or University for the applicable 
 award year.
 ``
        (B) Projected enrollment.--If the estimated 
 number of eligible students figure of a State or Tribal 
 College or University under subparagraph
        (A) is more 
 than 25 percent larger than the eligible students 
 figure for the preceding year, the Secretary shall use 
 an alternative enrollment estimate which shall be used 
 in the formula under subsection

    (a) for determining the 
 allotment.
 ``

    (2) Adjustment of grant amount.--For each year for which 
 a State or Tribal College or University receives a grant under 
 this subpart, the Secretary shall, once final enrollment data 
 for such year are available--
 ``
        (A) in consultation with the State or Tribal 
 College or University concerned, determine the actual 
 number of eligible students enrolled in the community 
 colleges operated or controlled by the State and the 
 public 4-year institutions of higher education in the 
 State or in such Tribal College or University for the 
 year covered by the grant; and
 ``
        (B) adjust the Federal share of the grant amount 
 received by the State or Tribal College or University 
 and the State share under subsection

    (b) to reflect the 
 actual number of eligible students by applying the 
 relevant adjustment to such Federal share or the State 
 share, or both, in the subsequent award year.
 ``

    (3) Additional funds.--If a State or Tribal College or 
 University provides additional funds toward reducing the cost 
 of attendance and improving instruction beyond the cost of 
 eliminating tuition and required fees as described in 
 paragraphs

    (2) and

    (3) of 

section 787

    (a) for any award year, 
 and, with respect to a State, such funds amount to more than 
 the State share requirement under subsection

    (b) and the 
 maintenance of effort requirements in 

section 787, the 
 Secretary shall provide the State or Tribal College or 
 University an amount equal to such additional funds provided by 
 the State or Tribal College or University, which amount 
 provided by the Secretary may be used for the activities 
 described in 

section 790.

``

SEC. 787. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

 ``

    (a) General Requirements.--In order to receive a grant under this 
subpart in each award year, a State or Tribal College or University 
shall comply with the following:
 ``

    (1) With respect to a State, ensure that public 
 institutions of higher education in the State maintain 
 expenditures on instruction per full-time equivalent student at 
 levels that are equal to or exceed the expenditures on 
 instruction per full-time equivalent student provided for the 3 
 most recent consecutive State fiscal years for which data are 
 available.
 ``

    (2) Ensure that the total amount of tuition and required 
 fees charged to an eligible student--
 ``
        (A) at community colleges in the State are fully 
 eliminated; or
 ``
        (B) if the Tribal College or University is a 2-
 year Tribal College or University, at such Tribal 
 College or University are fully eliminated.
 ``

    (3) Ensure that the total amount of tuition and required 
 fees charged to an eligible student at public 4-year 
 institutions of higher education in the State, or, if the 
 Tribal College or University is a 4-year Tribal College or 
 University, at such Tribal College or University, are fully 
 eliminated as follows:
 ``
        (A) For award year 2026-2027, the State or Tribal 
 College or University shall fully eliminate tuition and 
 required fees for such students--
 ``
            (i) who are dependent students--
 ``
            (I) in a single parent household, 
 whose parent's adjusted gross income 
 for the taxable year that is 1 year 
 prior to the taxable year that ends 
 immediately prior to the beginning of 
 the award year is equal to or less than 
 $150,000; or
 ``
            (II) with married parents, whose 
 parents' adjusted gross income for the 
 taxable year that is 1 year prior to 
 the taxable year that ends immediately 
 prior to the beginning of the award 
 year is equal to or less than $300,000; 
 and
 ``
            (ii) who are--
 ``
            (I) single independent students, 
 whose adjusted gross income for the 
 taxable year that is 1 year prior to 
 the taxable year that ends immediately 
 prior to the beginning of the award 
 year is equal to or less than $150,000; 
 or
 ``
            (II) married independent 
 students, whose adjusted gross income 
 for the taxable year that is 1 year 
 prior to the taxable year that ends 
 immediately prior to the beginning of 
 the award year is equal to or less than 
 $300,000.
 ``
        (B) For each award year after award year 2026-
 2027, the State or a 4-year Tribal College or 
 University shall fully eliminate tuition and required 
 fees for such students in accordance with clauses
            (i) and
            (ii) of subparagraph
        (A) , except the gross income 
 amount shall be adjusted for each subsequent year in 
 the same manner as income is adjusted under 

section 478

    (b) .
 ``

    (4) Not apply financial assistance for which an eligible 
 student qualifies to tuition or required fees.
 ``

    (5) Not use any funds provided under this subpart for 
 administrative purposes.
 ``

    (b) State Maintenance of Effort.--In order to receive a grant 
under this subpart in each award year, a State shall--
 ``

    (1) provide State fiscal support for higher education per 
 full-time equivalent student at a level equal to or exceeding 
 the average amount of State fiscal support for higher education 
 per full-time equivalent student provided for the 3 most recent 
 consecutive State fiscal years for which data are available;
 ``

    (2) maintain State operating expenditures per full-time 
 equivalent student for public 2- and 4-year institutions of 
 higher education in the State, excluding capital expenses and 
 research and development costs, at a level equal to or greater 
 than the average amount provided for the 3 most recent 
 consecutive State fiscal years for which data are available; 
 and
 ``

    (3) maintain State expenditures for need-based financial 
 aid programs for enrollment in institutions of higher education 
 (as defined in 

section 101) in the State at a level that is 
 equal to or greater than the average amount provided for the 3 
 most recent consecutive State fiscal years for which data are 
 available.
 ``
            (c) Requirements of States and Some Tribal Colleges and 
Universities.--In order to receive a grant under this subpart in each 
award year, a State or (when applicable) a Tribal College or University 
shall--
 ``

    (1) provide an assurance that not later than 5 years 
 after the first award year for which the grant is awarded, not 
 less than 75 percent of instruction at public institutions of 
 higher education in the State is provided by tenure-track or 
 tenured faculty;
 ``

    (2) provide an assurance that public institutions of 
 higher education in the State make it a priority to hire from 
 the existing adjunct, contract, contingent, and non-tenure 
 track or tenured faculty pool for tenure-track or tenured 
 faculty positions or other full-time non-contingent 
 instructional positions;
 ``

    (3) require that public institutions of higher education 
 in the State provide, for each student enrolled at the 
 institution who receives the maximum Federal Pell Grant award 
 under subpart 1 of part A of title IV, institutional student 
 financial aid (excluding student loans) in an amount equal to 
 the net price owed by such student;
 ``

    (4) ensure that public institutions of higher education 
 in the State or the Tribal College or University not adopt 
 policies to reduce enrollment;
 ``

    (5) provide an assurance that public institutions of 
 higher education in the State will not charge out-of-State 
 students an amount that exceeds the marginal cost (as 
 determined by the Secretary) of attending institutions of 
 higher education in the State;
 ``

    (6) provide an assurance that public institutions of 
 higher education in the State that charge non-eligible in-State 
 students tuition and required fees, will not charge such 
 students a rate that is necessary to continue to fully 
 eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students; and
 ``

    (7) provide an assurance that public institutions of 
 higher education in the State maintain a ratio of 1 to 150 of 
 disability services full-time employees to registered students 
 with disabilities, and that such employees be specifically 
 dedicated to serving students with disabilities.
 ``
            (d) Alignment of Secondary and Higher Education.--In order to 
receive a grant under this subpart, a State shall--
 ``

    (1) submit and implement a plan to align the requirements 
 for receiving a regular high school diploma from public schools 
 in the State with the requirements for entering credit-bearing 
 coursework at community colleges in such State; and
 ``

    (2) not later than 3 years after the date on which the 
 State first receives a grant under this subpart, certify to the 
 Secretary that such alignment has been achieved.
 ``

    (e) Transfer Pathways.--In order to receive a grant under this 
subpart, a State shall--
 ``

    (1) submit a plan to improve transfer pathways among 
 public institutions of higher education in the State, including 
 by--
 ``
        (A) ensuring that associate degrees awarded by 
 community colleges in the State are fully transferable 
 to, and credited as, the first 2 years of related 
 baccalaureate programs at public institutions of higher 
 education in such State; and
 ``
        (B) increasing the transferability of individual 
 courses within the certificate or associate programs 
 offered by community colleges in the State to related 
 baccalaureate programs offered by public institutions 
 of higher education in such State to maximize the 
 transferability of credits for students who transfer 
 before completing an associate degree and facilitate 
 reverse transfer policies; and
 ``

    (2) not later than 3 years after the date on which the 
 State first receives a grant under this subpart, certify to the 
 Secretary that the State is carrying out the plan submitted in 
 accordance with paragraph

    (1) and is meeting the requirements 
 of subparagraphs
        (A) and
        (B) of such paragraph.
 ``

    (f) No Additional Eligibility Requirements.--No individual shall 
be determined by a State, a Tribal College or University, or the 
Secretary, to be ineligible for benefits provided under this subpart 
(including eliminating tuition and fees, and other aid provided under 
this subpart), except on the basis of eligibility requirements under 
this subpart.

``

SEC. 788. AUTOMATIC STABILIZER.

 ``

    (a) Maintenance of Effort Relief.--A State that receives a grant 
under this subpart may request a waiver of the requirements under 

section 787

    (b) . Upon request by such a State, the Secretary shall waive 
the requirements of 

section 787

    (b) for the State as follows:
 ``

    (1) Tier i.--With respect to each State eligible for 
 relief under tier I, such requirements shall be waived for the 
 fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year for which the 
 determination of the State's eligibility for such relief is 
 made.
 ``

    (2) Tiers ii through v.--With respect to each State 
 eligible for relief under tier II, III, IV, or V, such 
 requirements shall be waived, in accordance with subsection
            (c) , for--
 ``
        (A) the fiscal year for which the determination 
 of the State's eligibility for such relief is made;
 ``
        (B) the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year 
 described in subparagraph
        (A) ; or
 ``
            (C) both such fiscal years.
 ``

    (b) State Share Relief.--
 ``

    (1) State share relief.--A State that meets the 
 qualifying spending requirement and is eligible for relief 
 under tier II, III, IV, or V may request relief with respect to 
 the requirement of 

section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B) . Upon request by such a 
 State, the Secretary shall provide relief from the requirements 
 of 

section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B) , for the applicable award year or 
 years, for the State as follows:
 ``
        (A) Tier ii.--With respect to a State that is 
 eligible for relief under tier II, the Secretary shall 
 apply--
 ``
            (i) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `85 percent' for `80 percent'; and
 ``
            (ii) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `15 percent' for `20 percent'.
 ``
        (B) Tier iii.--With respect to a State that is 
 eligible for relief under tier III, the Secretary shall 
 apply--
 ``
            (i) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `90 percent' for `85 percent';
 ``
            (ii) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `90 percent' for `80 percent';
 ``
            (iii) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `10 percent' for `15 percent'; and
 ``
            (iv) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `10 percent' for `20 percent'.
 ``
            (C) Tier iv.--With respect to a State that is 
 eligible for relief under tier IV, the Secretary shall 
 apply--
 ``
            (i) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iii) , by 
 substituting `95 percent' for `90 percent';
 ``
            (ii) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `95 percent' for `85 percent';
 ``
            (iii) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `95 percent' for `80 percent';
 ``
            (iv) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iii) , by 
 substituting `5 percent' for `10 percent';
 ``
            (v) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `5 percent' for `15 percent'; and
 ``
            (vi) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `5 percent' for `20 percent'.
 ``
            (D) Tier v.--With respect to a State that is 
 eligible for relief under tier V, the Secretary shall 
 apply--
 ``
            (i) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (ii) , by 
 substituting `100 percent' for `95 percent';
 ``
            (ii) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iii) , by 
 substituting `100 percent' for `90 percent';
 ``
            (iii) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `100 percent' for `85 percent';
 ``
            (iv) section 786

    (a)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `100 percent' for `80 percent';
 ``
            (v) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (ii) , by 
 substituting `0 percent' for `5 percent';
 ``
            (vi) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iii) , by 
 substituting `0 percent' for `10 percent';
 ``
            (vii) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (iv) , by 
 substituting `0 percent' for `15 percent'; and
 ``
            (viii) section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B)
            (v) , by 
 substituting `0 percent' for `20 percent'.
 ``

    (2) Applicable award years.--With respect to each State 
 eligible for relief under tier II, III, IV, or V, the Secretary 
 shall provide the relief under paragraph

    (1) in accordance with 
 subsection
            (c) for--
 ``
        (A) the award year for which the determination of 
 the State's eligibility for such relief is made;
 ``
        (B) the award year succeeding the award year 
 described in subparagraph
        (A) ; or
 ``
            (C) both such award years.
 ``

    (3) State eligibility.--A State's eligibility for relief 
 under this section shall be determined as follows:
 ``
        (A) Tier i.--A State shall be eligible for relief 
 under tier I for a fiscal year for which--
 ``
            (i) the State is in an elevated 
 unemployment period at any point in the fiscal 
 year; and
 ``
            (ii) the State is not eligible for relief 
 under any other tier.
 ``
        (B) Tier ii.--A State shall be eligible for 
 relief under tier II for a fiscal or award year, as 
 applicable, for which--
 ``
            (i) 
            (I) the State average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 6.5 percent, 
 but less than 7.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; or
 ``
            (II) the national average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 6.5 percent, 
 but less than 7.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; and
 ``
            (ii) the State is not eligible for relief 
 under tier III, IV, or V.
 ``
            (C) Tier iii.--A State shall be eligible for 
 relief under tier III for a fiscal or award year, as 
 applicable, for which--
 ``
            (i) 
            (I) the State average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 7.5 percent, 
 but less than 8.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; or
 ``
            (II) the national average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 7.5 percent, 
 but less than 8.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; and
 ``
            (ii) the State is not eligible for relief 
 under tier IV or V.
 ``
            (D) Tier iv.--A State shall be eligible for 
 relief under tier IV for a fiscal or award year, as 
 applicable, for which--
 ``
            (i) 
            (I) the State average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 8.5 percent, 
 but less than 9.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; or
 ``
            (II) the national average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 8.5 percent, 
 but less than 9.5 percent, at any point in the 
 fiscal or award year; and
 ``
            (ii) the State is not eligible for relief 
 under tier V.
 ``
        (E) Tier v.--A State shall be eligible for relief 
 under tier V for a fiscal or award year, as applicable, 
 for which--
 ``
            (i) the State average unemployment rate 
 is equal to or greater than 9.5 percent at any 
 point in the fiscal or award year; or
 ``
            (ii) the national average unemployment 
 rate is equal to or greater than 9.5 percent at 
 any point in the fiscal or award year.
 ``
            (c) Discretion in the Provision of Relief.--In determining the 
fiscal years for which to provide relief in accordance with subsection

    (a)

    (2) , or the award years for which to provide relief in accordance 
with subsection

    (b) , to a State that is eligible under tier II, III, IV 
or V, the Secretary shall take into account the following:
 ``

    (1) In the case of a State that requests relief under 
 subsection

    (a)

    (2) , the fiscal years for which the State 
 requests such relief, including--
 ``
        (A) if the State requests such relief for the 
 fiscal year for which the determination of the State's 
 eligibility for such relief is made, the amount by 
 which the State is unable to meet the requirements of 
 

section 787

    (b) for such fiscal year; and
 ``
        (B) if the State requests such relief for the 
 fiscal year succeeding the year described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) , the amount by which the State 
 anticipates being unable to meet such requirements for 
 such succeeding fiscal year.
 ``

    (2) In the case of a State that requests relief under 
 subsection

    (b) , the award years for which the State requests 
 such relief, including--
 ``
        (A) if the State requests such relief for the 
 award year for which the determination of the State's 
 eligibility for such relief is made, the extent to 
 which the State is unable to meet the requirements of 
 

section 786

    (b)

    (1)
        (B) for such award year; and
 ``
        (B) if the State requests such relief for the 
 award year succeeding the year described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) , the extent to which the State 
 anticipates being unable to meet such requirements for 
 such succeeding award year.
 ``

    (3) The actual or anticipated timing, severity, and 
 duration of the unemployment rate increase during--
 ``
        (A) the fiscal or award year, as applicable, for 
 which the determination of the State's eligibility for 
 such relief is made;
 ``
        (B) the fiscal or award year, as applicable, 
 succeeding the fiscal or award year described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) ; and
 ``
            (C) the fiscal or award year, as applicable, 
 preceding the fiscal or award year described in 
 subparagraph
        (A) .
 ``

    (4) Other factors determined to be relevant by the 
 Secretary.
 ``
            (d) Continued Payment to Employees.--A State that receives relief 
under subsection

    (a) or subsection

    (b) shall, to the greatest extent 
practicable, continue to pay its employees of, and contractors with, 
public institutions of higher education in the State during the period 
in which the State is receiving such relief.
 ``

    (e) 

=== Definitions. ===
-In this section:
 ``

    (1) Elevated unemployment period.--The term `elevated 
 unemployment period' means a consecutive 3-month period in a 
 fiscal year in which the State average unemployment rate is not 
 less than 0.5 percentage points above the lowest State average 
 unemployment rate for the 12-month period preceding such 3-
 month period.
 ``

    (2) National average unemployment rate.--The term 
 `national average unemployment rate' means the average 
 (seasonally adjusted) rate of total unemployment in all States 
 for a consecutive 3-month period in a fiscal year, based on 
 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of 
 Labor.
 ``

    (3) Qualifying spending requirement.--The term 
 `qualifying spending requirement' means the requirement that a 
 State not disproportionately decrease spending for any of the 
 categories described in subparagraphs

    (1) through

    (3) of 
 

section 787

    (b) relative to such State's overall, average 
 decrease in spending for the 3 consecutive preceding fiscal 
 years.
 ``

    (4) State average unemployment rate.--The term `State 
 average unemployment rate' means the average (seasonally 
 adjusted) rate of total unemployment in a State for a 
 consecutive 3-month period in a fiscal year.

``

SEC. 789. APPLICATIONS.

 ``In order to receive a grant under this subpart, a State or Tribal 
College or University shall submit an application to the Secretary at 
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require. In the case of a State, such application shall 
be submitted by the State agency with jurisdiction over higher 
education or another agency designated by the Governor or chief 
executive of the State to administer the program under this subpart.

``

SEC. 790. USE OF FUNDS.

 ``

    (a) In General.--A State or Tribal College or University that 
receives a grant under this subpart shall use the grant funds and the 
State share funds required under this subpart--
 ``

    (1) to fully eliminate tuition and required fees for all 
 eligible students at community colleges in the State or at the 
 Tribal College or University, if the Tribal College or 
 University is a 2-year Tribal College or University; and
 ``

    (2) to fully eliminate tuition and required fees for 
 eligible students, as described in 

section 787

    (a)

    (3) , at public 
 4-year institutions of higher education in the State or at the 
 Tribal College or University, if the Tribal College or 
 University is a 4-year Tribal College or University.
 ``

    (b) Remaining Funds.--Once tuition and required fees have been 
fully eliminated pursuant to subsection

    (a) , a State or Tribal College 
or University that receives a grant under this subpart shall use any 
remaining grant funds to reduce the cost of attendance and increase the 
quality of instruction and student support services at public 
institutions of higher education in the State or at the Tribal College 
or University by carrying out any of the following:
 ``

    (1) Providing additional non-loan financial aid to 
 students to help reduce unmet need, which may include need-
 based student financial aid or emergency financial aid grants 
 to students attending a public institution of higher education 
 in such State, or such Tribal College or University, for any 
 component of such students' cost of attendance.
 ``

    (2) Implementing evidence-based reforms or practices at 
 public institutions of higher education in such State or at 
 such Tribal College or University that are described in 

section 804 or that meet evidence tier 1 or evidence tier 2 (as defined 
 in 

section 800) to improve the enrollment, retention, transfer, 
 or completion rates or labor market outcomes among the students 
 described in 

section 802

    (b) .
 ``

    (3) Expanding academic course offerings and providing 
 high-quality occupational skills training programs to students.
 ``

    (4) Increasing the number and percentage of tenure or 
 tenure-track faculty.
 ``

    (5) Providing all faculty with professional supports to 
 help students succeed, such as professional development 
 opportunities, including providing--
 ``
        (A) culturally inclusive and identity-safe 
 learning environments;
 ``
        (B) work spaces; and
 ``
            (C) shared governance in the institution.
 ``

    (6) Compensating part-time faculty for work done outside 
 of the classroom relating to supporting student success, such 
 as holding office hours.
 ``

    (7) Strengthening, and ensuring all students have access 
 to, student support services, such as academic advising, 
 counseling, and tutoring.
 ``

    (8) Expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment 
 programs and early college high school programs.
 ``

    (9) Establishing prison education programs in partnership 
 with local or State correctional facilities.
 ``

    (10) Carrying out any other additional activities that 
 improve instructional quality and academic outcomes for 
 students as approved by the Secretary through a peer review 
 process.
 ``
            (c) Prohibition.--A State or Tribal College or University that 
receives a grant under this subpart may not use grant funds or State 
share funds required under this subpart--
 ``

    (1) for the construction of a nonacademic facility, such 
 as a student center or stadium;
 ``

    (2) for merit-based student financial aid;
 ``

    (3) for need-based student financial aid (except to the 
 extent funds are available under 

section 786
            (c) (3) );
 ``

    (4) to pay the salaries or benefits of school 
 administrators;
 ``

    (5) for capital outlays or deferred maintenance; or
 ``

    (6) for expenditures on athletics other than activities 
 open to all members of the campus community.
 ``
            (d) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Except as provided in 

section 786

    (b)

    (2)
        (A) , funds made available under this subpart shall be used to 
supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, Tribal, local, and 
institutional funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out 
activities described in this subpart.
 ``

    (e) Continuation of Funding.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph

    (2) , a 
 State or a Tribal College or University receiving a grant under 
 this subpart for an award year may continue to receive funding 
 under this subpart for subsequent award years conditioned on 
 meeting the requirements of the grant, as determined by the 
 Secretary.
 ``

    (2) Discontinuation.--The Secretary shall discontinue or 
 reduce funding of the Federal share of a grant under this 
 subpart if the State or Tribal College or University has 
 violated the terms of the grant.
 ``

    (f) Rule of Construction Regarding BIE Funds.--Nothing in this 
subpart shall be construed to impact the availability of funds from, or 
uses of funds provided by, the Bureau of Indian Education for Tribal 
Colleges and Universities.

``

SEC. 791. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

 ``

    (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated, and 
there are appropriated, to carry out this subpart--
 ``

    (1) such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter 
 of fiscal year 2026; and
 ``

    (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal 
 years 2027 through 2035.
 ``

    (b) Supplemental Funds.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--In addition to amounts otherwise 
 available, there is appropriated for fiscal year 2026, out of 
 any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, not more 
 than $9,844 per student enrolled at 4-year public institutions 
 of higher education and not more than $6,073 per student 
 enrolled at community colleges, to remain available until 
 September 30, 2031, for the Secretary to award grants to all 
 States that have resident tuition and fees at community 
 colleges or public 4-year institutions of higher education that 
 are higher than the national average tuition and fees at 
 community colleges or public 4-year institutions of higher 
 education in award year 2026-2027, for the purpose of 
 supporting such States' ability to participate in the program 
 under this subpart.
 ``

    (2) State share.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
 this subpart, a State receiving grant funds under paragraph

    (1) shall use such funds to meet the State share requirement under 
 

section 786

    (b) and to fully eliminate tuition and fees for 
 eligible students as required under paragraphs

    (2) and

    (3) of 
 

section 787

    (a) .''.

 TITLE II--GRANT PROGRAM TO ELIMINATE TUITION AND FEES FOR ELIGIBLE 
 STUDENTS AT PRIVATE NONPROFIT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND 
 UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

SEC. 201. GRANT PROGRAM TO ELIMINATE TUITION AND FEES FOR ELIGIBLE 
 STUDENTS AT PRIVATE NONPROFIT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES 
 AND UNIVERSITIES AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

 Part F of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as added 
by 

section 101, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 ``Subpart 2--Grant Program To Eliminate Tuition and Fees for Eligible 
 Students at Private Nonprofit Historically Black Colleges and 
 Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions

``

SEC. 795. DEFINITIONS.

 ``In this subpart:
 ``

    (1) Eligible institution.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
 subparagraph
        (E) , the term `eligible institution' means 
 a private nonprofit 2-year institution or 4-year 
 institution that--
 ``
            (i) is--
 ``
            (I) a part B institution (as 
 defined in 

section 322);
 ``
            (II) a Hispanic-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 502);
 ``
            (III) an Alaska Native-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 317

    (b) );
 ``
            (IV) a Native Hawaiian-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 317

    (b) );
 ``
            (V) a Predominantly Black 
 institution (as defined in 

section 371
            (c) );
 ``
            (VI) an Asian American and Native 
 American Pacific Islander-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 371
            (c) ); or
 ``
            (VII) a Native American-serving 
 nontribal institution (as defined in 
 

section 371
            (c) ); and
 ``
            (ii) has not received funds under subpart 
 1.
 ``
        (B) Continuing eligibility.--The Secretary shall 
 determine whether an institution is an `eligible 
 institution' under subparagraph
        (A) based on the most 
 recent data available, and shall review such 
 determination annually to ensure that the institution 
 continues to meet the requirements for participation 
 under this subpart.
 ``
            (C) 2-year institution.--The term `2-year 
 institution' means an institution at which an associate 
 degree is the most frequently awarded degree.
 ``
            (D) 4-year institution.--The term `4-year 
 institution' means an institution of higher education 
 (as defined under 

section 101

    (a) ) that is not a 2-year 
 institution.
 ``
        (E) Exception.--
 ``
            (i) In general.--An eligible institution 
 as described in subparagraph
        (A) shall not be 
 an eligible institution for purposes of this 
 section for the period described in clause
            (ii) if such institution was a for-profit 
 institution at any time that converted to a 
 nonprofit institution.
 ``
            (ii) Period of ineligibility.--An 
 institution described under clause
            (i) shall 
 not be an eligible institution for purposes of 
 this section for a period of 25 years from the 
 date the institution converted from being a 
 for-profit institution to a nonprofit 
 institution or 25 years after the date of 
 enactment of this subpart, whichever period is 
 longer.
 ``

    (2) Eligible student.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The term `eligible student' 
 means a student enrolled in an eligible institution who 
 has not obtained a baccalaureate degree or a higher 
 degree and--
 ``
            (i) for the first award year of the 
 program under this subpart, if the student--
 ``
            (I) is a dependent student--
 ``

    (aa) in a single parent 
 household, the student's 
 parent's adjusted gross income 
 for the taxable year that is 1 
 year prior to the taxable year 
 that ends immediately prior to 
 the beginning of the award year 
 is equal to or less than 
 $150,000; or
 ``

    (bb) with married 
 parents, the student's parents' 
 adjusted gross income for the 
 taxable year that is 1 year 
 prior to the taxable year that 
 ends immediately prior to the 
 beginning of the award year is 
 equal to or less than $300,000; 
 and
 ``
            (II) is a--
 ``

    (aa) single independent 
 student, the student's adjusted 
 gross income for the taxable 
 year that is 1 year prior to 
 the taxable year that ends 
 immediately prior to the 
 beginning of the award year is 
 equal to or less than $150,000; 
 or
 ``

    (bb) married independent 
 student, the student's adjusted 
 gross income for the taxable 
 year that is 1 year prior to 
 the taxable year that ends 
 immediately prior to the 
 beginning of the award year is 
 equal to or less than $300,000; 
 and
 ``
            (ii) for each award year after the first 
 award year of the program under this subpart, 
 if the student--
 ``
            (I) is a dependent student, the 
 student's parents' adjusted gross 
 income for the taxable year that is 1 
 year prior to the taxable year that 
 ends immediately prior to the beginning 
 of the award year is equal to or less 
 than the applicable amount; and
 ``
            (II) is an independent student, 
 the student's adjusted gross income for 
 the taxable year that is 1 year prior 
 to the taxable year that ends 
 immediately prior to the beginning of 
 the award year is equal to or less than 
 the applicable amount.
 ``
        (B) Applicable amount.--In this paragraph, the 
 term `applicable amount' means an amount equal to, for 
 any award year beginning after the first award year of 
 the program under this subpart, the income amount 
 determined under this paragraph for the preceding award 
 year adjusted in the same manner as income is adjusted 
 under 

section 478

    (b) .
 ``

    (3) Full-time equivalent eligible students.--The term 
 `full-time equivalent eligible students' means the sum of the 
 number of eligible students projected to enroll full time at an 
 institution for an award year, plus the full-time equivalent of 
 the number of eligible students projected to be enrolled part 
 time (determined on the basis of the quotient of the sum of the 
 credit hours of all part-time eligible students divided by 12) 
 at such institution, for such award year.

``

SEC. 796. AUTHORIZATION OF GRANT PROGRAM.

 ``Beginning with award year 2026-2027, from amounts appropriated to 
carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall award 
grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to 
eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students.

``

SEC. 797. GRANT TERMS.

 ``

    (a) Grant Amount.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--For each year for which an eligible 
 institution participates in the grant program under this 
 subpart, such eligible institution shall receive a grant in an 
 amount equal to--
 ``
        (A) in the case of an eligible institution that 
 is a 2-year institution, the product of the number of 
 eligible students enrolled in such institution 
 multiplied by--
 ``
            (i) for the 2026-2027 award year, $5,110; 
 and
 ``
            (ii) for each subsequent award year, the 
 amount determined under this subparagraph for 
 the preceding award year, increased by the 
 lesser of--
 ``
            (I) a percentage equal to the 
 estimated percentage increase in the 
 Consumer Price Index (as determined by 
 the Secretary) since the date of such 
 determination; or
 ``
            (II) 3 percent; or
 ``
        (B) in the case of an eligible institution that 
 is a 4-year institution, the product of the number of 
 eligible students enrolled in such institution 
 multiplied by--
 ``
            (i) for the 2026-2027 award year, 
 $11,610; and
 ``
            (ii) for each subsequent award year, the 
 amount determined under this subparagraph for 
 the preceding award year, increased by the 
 lesser of--
 ``
            (I) a percentage equal to the 
 estimated percentage increase in the 
 Consumer Price Index (as determined by 
 the Secretary) since the date of such 
 determination; or
 ``
            (II) 3 percent.
 ``

    (2) Limitations on tuition hikes.--
 ``
        (A) First award year.--For the first award year 
 for which an eligible institution applies for a grant 
 under this subpart, such eligible institution shall not 
 increase tuition and required fees at a rate that is 
 greater than any annual increase in tuition and 
 required fees at the eligible institution for the 5 
 years preceding such first award year.
 ``
        (B) Succeeding award years.--
 ``
            (i) In general.--For each award year 
 after the first award year for which an 
 eligible institution receives a grant under 
 this subpart, such eligible institution shall 
 not increase tuition and required fees from the 
 preceding award year at a rate that is greater 
 than the percentage increase in the Employment 
 Cost Index for the award year for which the 
 grant is received, as compared to the 
 Employment Cost Index for the award year 
 preceding the award year for which the grant is 
 received.
 ``
            (ii) Employment cost index.--In this 
 subparagraph, the term `Employment Cost Index', 
 when used with respect to an award year, means 
 the Employment Cost Index for total 
 compensation for private industry workers by 
 bargaining status and census region and 
 division (not seasonally adjusted) of the 
 division in which the eligible institution is 
 located, as provided by the Bureau of Labor 
 Statistics of the Department of Labor, that is 
 provided for the December that immediately 
 precedes the start of the award year.
 ``

    (3) Data adjustments.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
 process through which each eligible institution that 
 participates in the program under this subpart--
 ``
            (i) provides the necessary eligible 
 student enrollment data at the start of the 
 award year; and
 ``
            (ii) initially receives grant funds, as 
 calculated under this subsection, based on such 
 data.
 ``
        (B) Adjustment of grant amount.--For each year 
 for which an eligible institution receives a grant 
 under this subpart, the Secretary shall, once final 
 enrollment data for such year are available--
 ``
            (i) in consultation with the eligible 
 institution concerned, determine the actual 
 number of full-time equivalent eligible 
 students for the year covered by the grant; and
 ``
            (ii) adjust the grant amount received by 
 the eligible institution to reflect the actual 
 number of full-time equivalent eligible 
 students by applying the relevant adjustment to 
 such grant amount in the subsequent award year 
 in accordance with subparagraph
            (C) .
 ``
            (C) Calculation of adjustments.--If the actual 
 full-time equivalent eligible students figure for the 
 preceding award year reported under subparagraph
        (B) --
 ``
            (i) exceeds the projected enrollment that 
 was used for determining the allotment under 
 paragraph

    (1) for the preceding award year, 
 notwithstanding any other provision of this 
 Act, the grant amount for the subsequent award 
 year for the eligible institution shall be 
 increased to reflect such actual enrollment, 
 which figure shall be increased by the Gross 
 Domestic Product Price Index of the State in 
 which the eligible institution is located; or
 ``
            (ii) is below the projected enrollment 
 that was used for determining the allotment 
 under paragraph

    (1) for the preceding award 
 year, notwithstanding any other provision of 
 this Act, the grant amount for the subsequent 
 award year for the eligible institution shall 
 be decreased to reflect such actual enrollment, 
 which figure shall be increased by the average 
 interest rate on 5-year United States Treasury 
 securities issued during the preceding award 
 year.
 ``

    (b) Application.--An eligible institution that desires to receive 
a grant under this subpart shall submit to the Secretary an application 
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require.
 ``
            (c) Transfer Requirement.--In the case of an eligible institution 
that is a 4-year institution that receives a grant under this subpart 
and enrolls students who transfer from another institution, the 
institution shall--
 ``

    (1) commit to increasing the transferability of 
 individual courses within certificate or associate programs 
 offered by community colleges in the State to related 
 baccalaureate programs offered by such institution to maximize 
 the transferability of credits for students who transfer before 
 completing an associate degree; and
 ``

    (2) maintain a formal, statewide articulation agreement 
 with community colleges in the State in which such institution 
 operates that, at a minimum, ensures that associate degrees 
 awarded by community colleges in the State are fully 
 transferable to, and credited as the first 2 years of related 
 baccalaureate programs at, such institution.
 ``
            (d) Use of Funds.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--An eligible institution that receives a 
 grant under this subpart shall use the grant funds to--
 ``
        (A) except as provided in paragraph

    (3) , 
 eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible 
 students enrolled in the eligible institution during 
 any period for which the institution receives a grant 
 under this subpart;
 ``
        (B) maintain expenditures on instruction per a 
 full-time equivalent eligible student at levels that 
 meet or exceed the expenditures on instruction per a 
 full-time equivalent eligible student for award year 
 2025-2026; and
 ``
            (C) maintain expenditures on need-based financial 
 aid programs for students enrolled in the institution 
 at a level that meets or exceeds the level of such 
 support for award year 2025-2026.
 ``

    (2) Prohibitions.--An eligible institution that receives 
 a grant under this subpart may not use grant funds--
 ``
        (A) for the construction of a nonacademic 
 facility, such as a student center or stadium;
 ``
        (B) for merit-based or need-based student 
 financial aid;
 ``
            (C) to pay the salaries or benefits of school 
 administrators;
 ``
            (D) for capital outlays or deferred maintenance; 
 or
 ``
        (E) for expenditures on athletics other than 
 activities open to all members of the campus community.
 ``

    (3) Exception.--An eligible institution that receives a 
 grant under this subpart and that does not have authority to 
 set the tuition and required fees for eligible students 
 enrolled in the eligible institution shall provide tuition 
 assistance to eligible students enrolled in the eligible 
 institution during any period for which the institution 
 receives a grant under this subpart in an amount equal to the 
 grant amount determined under subsection

    (a)

    (1) .
 ``

    (e) Assurances.--An eligible institution that receives a grant 
under this subpart shall provide an assurance to the Secretary that the 
institution will--
 ``

    (1) increase, to the extent practicable, the amount of 
 instruction provided by tenured or tenure-track faculty; and
 ``

    (2) not adopt policies to reduce enrollment.
 ``

    (f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds made available to carry out 
this subpart shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other 
Federal, State, Tribal, local, and institutional funds that would 
otherwise be expended to carry out activities under this subpart.
 ``

    (g) No Additional Eligibility Requirements.--No individual shall 
be determined, by an eligible institution or the Secretary, to be 
ineligible for benefits provided under this subpart except on the basis 
of eligibility requirements under this subpart.

``

SEC. 798. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

 ``There are authorized to be appropriated, and there are 
appropriated, to carry out this subpart--
 ``

    (1) such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter 
 of fiscal year 2026; and
 ``

    (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal 
 years 2027 through 2035.''.

SEC. 202. NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AMERICAN SAMOA, UNITED STATES 
 VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES 
 COLLEGE ACCESS.

 Part F of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as added 
by 

section 101 and amended by 

section 201, is further amended by adding 
at the end the following:

 ``Subpart 3--College Access for Students in Outlying Areas

``

SEC. 799. NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AMERICAN SAMOA, UNITED STATES 
 VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES 
 COLLEGE ACCESS.

 ``

    (a) Grants.--
 ``

    (1) Grant amounts.--
 ``
        (A) In general.--Beginning with award year 2026-
 2027, from amounts appropriated to carry out this 
 section, the Secretary shall award grants to the 
 Governors of each outlying area for such Governors to 
 award grants to eligible institutions that enroll 
 eligible students to pay the difference between the 
 tuition and fees charged for in-State students and the 
 tuition and fees charged for out-of-State students on 
 behalf of each eligible student enrolled in the 
 eligible institution.
 ``
        (B) Maximum student amounts.--The amount paid on 
 behalf of an eligible student under this section shall 
 be--
 ``
            (i) not more than $15,950 for any one 
 award year (as defined in 

section 481

    (a)

    (1) ); 
 and
 ``
            (ii) not more than $79,750 in the 
 aggregate.
 ``
            (C) Proration.--The Governor shall prorate 
 payments under this section with respect to eligible 
 students who attend an eligible institution on less 
 than a full-time basis.
 ``

    (2) Agreement.--Each Governor desiring a grant under this 
 section shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary for 
 the purposes of administering the grant program.
 ``

    (b) No Additional Eligibility Requirements.--No individual shall 
be determined, by a Governor, an eligible institution, or the 
Secretary, to be ineligible for benefits provided under this section 
except on the basis of eligibility requirements under this section.
 ``
            (c) === Definitions. ===
-In this section:
 ``

    (1) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
 institution' means an institution that--
 ``
        (A) is a public 4-year institution of higher 
 education located in 1 of the several States of the 
 United States, the District of Columbia, the 
 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or an outlying area;
 ``
        (B) enters into an agreement with the Governor of 
 an outlying area, or with 2 or more of such Governors 
 (except that such institution may not enter into an 
 agreement with the Governor of the outlying area in 
 which such institution is located), to carry out the 
 grant program under this section; and
 ``
            (C) submits an assurance to the Governor and to 
 the Secretary that the institution shall use funds made 
 available under this section to supplement, and not 
 supplant, assistance that otherwise would be provided 
 to eligible students from outlying areas.
 ``

    (2) Eligible student.--The term `eligible student' means 
 a student who--
 ``
        (A) was domiciled in an outlying area for not 
 less than 12 consecutive months preceding the 
 commencement of the freshman year at an institution of 
 higher education;
 ``
        (B) has not completed an undergraduate 
 baccalaureate course of study; and
 ``
            (C) is enrolled as an undergraduate student in an 
 eligible program (as defined in 

section 481

    (b) ) on at 
 least a half-time basis.
 ``

    (3) Governor.--The term `Governor' means the chief 
 executive of an outlying area.
 ``

    (4) Outlying area.--The term `outlying area' means the 
 Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the United States 
 Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Freely Associated States.''.

 TITLE III--FEDERAL PELL GRANT IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 301. FEDERAL PELL GRANT IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) Repeal of Scoring Requirement.--

Section 406 of H. Con. Res. 95 
(109th Congress) is amended--

    (1) by striking subsection

    (b) ; and

    (2) by striking ``

    (a) In General'' and inserting the 
 following: ``Upon''.

    (b) Amendment to Federal Pell Grants.--

Section 401 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) is amended--

    (1) in subsection

    (b) , by striking paragraphs

    (5) ,

    (6) , and

    (7) and inserting the following:
 ``

    (5) Maximum federal pell grant.--
 ``
        (A) Award year 2026-2027.--For award year 2026-
 2027, the total maximum Federal Pell Grant shall be--
 ``
            (i) in the case of an eligible student 
 who is in attendance at an institution of 
 higher education described in 

section 101 or a 
 Tribal College or University described in 
 

section 316

    (b)

    (3) , $14,790; or
 ``
            (ii) in the case of an eligible student 
 who is in attendance at an institution of 
 higher education not described in clause
            (i) , 
 $7,395.
 ``
        (B) Subsequent award years.--For award year 2027-
 2028, and each subsequent award year, the total maximum 
 Federal Pell Grant shall be equal to the total maximum 
 Federal Pell Grant for the preceding award year 
 (applicable to the institution at which the eligible 
 student is in attendance)--
 ``
            (i) increased by the annual adjustment 
 percentage for the award year for which the 
 amount under this subparagraph is being 
 determined; and
 ``
            (ii) rounded to the nearest $5.
 ``
            (C) Definition of annual adjustment percentage.--
 In this paragraph, the term `annual adjustment 
 percentage,' as applied to an award year, is equal to 
 the estimated percentage increase in the Consumer Price 
 Index (as determined by the Secretary, using the 
 definition in 

section 478

    (f) ) for the most recent 
 calendar year ending prior to the beginning of that 
 award year.
 ``

    (6) Appropriation of funds.--There are authorized to be 
 appropriated, and there are appropriated, out of any money in 
 the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be 
 necessary for fiscal year 2026 and each subsequent fiscal year 
 to provide the maximum Federal Pell Grant for which a student 
 shall be eligible under this section during an award year.
 ``

    (7) No effect on previous appropriations.--The amendments 
 made to this section by the FAFSA Simplification Act shall 
 not--
 ``
        (A) increase or decrease the amounts that have 
 been appropriated or are available to carry out this 
 section for fiscal year 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 
 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 as of the day before the 
 effective date of such Act; or
 ``
        (B) extend the period of availability for 
 obligation that applied to any such amount, as of the 
 day before such effective date.'';

    (2) in subsection
            (d) (5)
        (A) , by striking ``shall not exceed 
 12 semesters, or the equivalent of 12 semesters, as determined 
 by the Secretary by regulation'' and inserting ``shall not 
 exceed 7 years and 6 months'';

    (3) in subsection

    (f) , by striking ``Any disbursement 
 allowed to be made by crediting the student's account shall be 
 limited to tuition and fees, and food and housing if that food 
 and housing is institutionally owned or operated. The student 
 may elect to have the institution provide other such goods and 
 services by crediting the student's account.'' and inserting 
 ``Payments under this section may be used by the student for 
 living and nontuition expenses.'';

    (4) by striking subsections

    (g) and

    (h) ; and

    (5) by redesignating subsections
            (i) and

    (j) as subsections

    (g) and

    (h) , respectively.
            (c) Eligibility for Dreamer Students and Students With Other 
Immigrations Statuses.--

Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1091) is amended--

    (1) by striking subsection

    (a)

    (5) and inserting the 
 following:
 ``

    (5) be--
 ``
        (A) a citizen or national of the United States, a 
 permanent resident of the United States, or able to 
 provide evidence from the Immigration and 
 Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United 
 States for other than a temporary purpose with the 
 intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident, 
 or be a Dreamer student, as defined in subsection

    (u) ; 
 or
 ``
        (B) in the case of eligibility to receive a 
 Federal Pell Grant, a citizen or national of the United 
 States, a permanent resident of the United States, able 
 to provide evidence from the Immigration and 
 Naturalization Service that he or she is in the United 
 States for other than a temporary purpose with the 
 intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident, 
 a Dreamer student (as defined in subsection

    (u) ), or 
 subject to a grant of deferred enforced departure, a 
 grant of deferred action pursuant to the Deferred 
 Action for Childhood Arrivals policy announced by the 
 Secretary of Homeland Security on June 15, 2012, or 
 temporary protected status under 

section 244 of the 
 Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a); 
 and''; and

    (2) by adding at the end the following:
 ``

    (u) Dreamer Students.--
 ``

    (1) In general.--In this section, the term `Dreamer 
 student' means an individual who--
 ``
        (A) was younger than 16 years of age on the date 
 on which the individual initially entered the United 
 States;
 ``
        (B) has provided a list of each secondary school 
 that the individual attended in the United States; and
 ``
            (C) 
            (i) has earned a high school diploma, the 
 recognized equivalent of such diploma from a secondary 
 school, or a high school equivalency diploma in the 
 United States or is scheduled to complete the 
 requirements for such a diploma or equivalent before 
 the next academic year begins;
 ``
            (ii) has earned a degree from an institution of 
 higher education or has completed not less than 2 years 
 in a program for a baccalaureate degree or higher 
 degree at an institution of higher education in the 
 United States and has made satisfactory academic 
 progress, as defined in subsection
            (c) , during such 
 time period;
 ``
            (iii) at any time was eligible for a grant of 
 deferred action under--
 ``
            (I) the June 15, 2012, memorandum from 
 the Secretary of Homeland Security entitled 
 `Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with 
 Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United 
 States as Children'; or
 ``
            (II) the November 20, 2014, memorandum 
 from the Secretary of Homeland Security 
 entitled `Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion 
 with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the 
 United States as Children and with Respect to 
 Certain Individuals Who Are the Parents of U.S. 
 Citizens or Permanent Residents'; or
 ``
            (iv) has served in the uniformed services, as 
 defined in 

section 101 of title 10, United States Code, 
 for not less than 4 years and, if discharged, received 
 an honorable discharge.
 ``

    (2) Hardship exception.--The Secretary shall issue 
 regulations that direct when the Department shall waive the 
 requirement of subparagraph
        (A) or
        (B) , or both, of paragraph

    (1) for an individual to qualify as a Dreamer student under 
 such paragraph, if the individual--
 ``
        (A) demonstrates compelling circumstances for the 
 inability to satisfy the requirement of such 
 subparagraph
        (A) or
        (B) , or both; and
 ``
        (B) satisfies the requirement of paragraph

    (1)
            (C) .''.
            (d) Full Exclusion From Gross Income for Pell Grants.--

    (1) In general.--

Section 117

    (b) of the Internal Revenue 
 Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new 
 paragraph:
 ``

    (3) Special rule for pell grants.--Amounts received under 
 a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A of title IV of 
 the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.) 
 shall be treated as an amount received as a qualified 
 scholarship notwithstanding whether such amount was used for 
 qualified tuition and related expenses.''.

    (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection 
 shall apply to amounts received in taxable years beginning 
 after the date of the enactment of this Act.

 TITLE IV--INCLUSIVE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANTS

SEC. 401. INCLUSIVE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANTS.

 Part F of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as added 
by 

section 101 and amended by sections 201 and 202, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:

 ``Subpart 4--Inclusive Student Success Grants

``

SEC. 800. DEFINITIONS.

 ``In this subpart:
 ``

    (1) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means a 
 State that is a recipient of a grant under subpart 1.
 ``

    (2) Evidence tiers.--
 ``
        (A) Evidence tier 1.--The term `evidence tier 1', 
 when used with respect to a reform or practice, means a 
 reform or practice that meets the criteria for 
 receiving an expansion grant from the education 
 innovation and research program under 

section 4611

    (a)

    (2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
 Act of 1965, as determined by the Secretary in 
 accordance with such section.
 ``
        (B) Evidence tier 2.--The term `evidence tier 2', 
 when used with respect to a reform or practice, means a 
 reform or practice that meets the criteria for 
 receiving a mid-phase grant from the education 
 innovation and research program under 

section 4611

    (a)

    (2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
 Act of 1965, as determined by the Secretary in 
 accordance with such section.
 ``

    (3) First generation college student.--The term `first 
 generation college student' has the meaning given the term in 
 

section 402A

    (h)

    (3) .
 ``

    (4) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
 institution' means--
 ``
        (A) an underfunded institution; or
 ``
        (B) an institution that is--
 ``
            (i) a part B institution (as defined in 
 

section 322);
 ``
            (ii) a Hispanic-serving institution (as 
 defined in 

section 502

    (a) );
 ``
            (iii) an Alaska Native-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 317

    (b) );
 ``
            (iv) a Native Hawaiian-serving 
 institution (as defined in 

section 317

    (b) );
 ``
            (v) a Predominantly Black Institution (as 
 defined in 

section 318

    (b) );
 ``
            (vi) an Asian American and Native 
 American Pacific Islander-serving institution 
 (as defined in 

section 320

    (b) ); or
 ``
            (vii) a Native American-serving, 
 nontribal institution (as defined in 

section 319

    (b) ).
 ``

    (5) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal 
 College or University' has the meaning given the term in 
 

section 316.
 ``

    (6) Underfunded institution.--The term `underfunded 
 institution' means a public 2-year institution of higher 
 education or public 4-year institution of higher education that 
 receives less than the national average of State appropriations 
 per full-time equivalent student.

``

SEC. 801. INCLUSIVE STUDENT SUCCESS GRANTS.

 ``

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible 
States and Tribal Colleges and Universities to improve student outcomes 
by carrying out or scaling the activities described in 

section 804.
 ``

    (b) Distribution of Funds.--From amounts appropriated to carry 
out this subpart, the Secretary shall--
 ``

    (1) distribute 10 percent of the appropriated amount in 
 any fiscal year for grants to Tribal Colleges or Universities, 
 which shall be distributed according to the formula in 

section 316
            (d) (3)
        (B) , to carry out the activities described in 

section 804 to implement reforms or practices that meet evidence tier 1 
 or evidence tier 2;
 ``

    (2) use 2 percent of the appropriated amount in any 
 fiscal year to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities 
 carried out under this subpart;
 ``

    (3) distribute 60 percent of the appropriated amount in 
 any fiscal year to award competitive grants to eligible States 
 to carry out activities described in 

section 804;
 ``

    (4) distribute 18 percent of the appropriated amount in 
 any fiscal year to supplement the competitive grant amounts 
 awarded to eligible States under paragraph

    (3) to implement 
 reforms or practices that meet evidence tier 1; and
 ``

    (5) distribute 10 percent of the appropriated amount in 
 any fiscal year to supplement the competitive grant amounts 
 awarded to eligible States under paragraph

    (3) to implement 
 reforms or practices that meet evidence tier 1 or evidence tier 
 2, or a combination of such reforms or practices.

``

SEC. 802. APPLICATION.

 ``

    (a) In General.--An eligible State or Tribal College or 
University that desires to receive a grant under this subpart shall 
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. The 
application shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
 ``

    (1) in the case of an eligible State, how the eligible 
 State will--
 ``
        (A) prioritize spending for underfunded 
 institutions in the State and close gaps in State 
 appropriations per full-time equivalent student with 
 respect to institutions in the State described in 
 

section 800

    (4)
        (B) ; and
 ``
        (B) sustain such reforms or practices; and
 ``

    (2) in the case of an eligible State or Tribal College or 
 University, how the eligible State or Tribal College or 
 University will use the funds to implement or expand evidence-
 based reforms or practices funded by a grant under this subpart 
 to improve student outcomes at eligible institutions in such 
 State or the Tribal College or University.
 ``

    (b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the 
Secretary shall give priority to eligible States that propose to use a 
significant share of grant funds to improve enrollment, retention, 
transfer, or completion rates or labor market outcomes among students 
with disparate outcomes, such as students of color, low-income 
students, students with disabilities, students in need of remediation, 
first generation college students, student parents, and other 
underserved student populations in such State.

``

SEC. 803. GRANT AMOUNTS.

 ``In awarding grants under this subpart to eligible States, the 
Secretary shall determine grant amounts based on the number of students 
enrolled at eligible institutions in the State who receive a Federal 
Pell Grant.

``

SEC. 804. USE OF GRANT FUNDS.

 ``An eligible State or Tribal College or University that receives a 
grant under this subpart shall, directly or in collaboration with 
institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations, use 
the grant funds to implement evidence-based reforms or practices, which 
may include one or more of the following:
 ``

    (1) Providing comprehensive academic, career, and student 
 support services, including mentoring, advising, or case 
 management services.
 ``

    (2) Providing assistance in applying for and accessing 
 direct support services, financial assistance, or means-tested 
 benefit programs to meet the basic needs of students.
 ``

    (3) Providing accelerated learning opportunities, 
 including dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early 
 college high school programs.
 ``

    (4) Reforming remedial or developmental education, course 
 scheduling, or credit awarding policies.
 ``

    (5) Improving transfer pathways between community 
 colleges and 4-year institutions of higher education in the 
 eligible State, or, in the case of a Tribal College or 
 University, between the Tribal College or University and other 
 institutions of higher education.
 ``

    (6) Making investments in academic advisors, mental 
 health counselors, trauma-informed care, and tutors.
 ``

    (7) Reducing class sizes.

``

SEC. 805. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

 ``

    (a) Goals.--The Secretary shall require eligible States or Tribal 
Colleges or Universities that receive funds under this subpart to set 
goals regarding student outcomes.
 ``

    (b) Progress.--
 ``

    (1) National progress.--The Secretary shall track 
 progress in improving student outcomes for eligible States that 
 receive grants under this subpart, including conducting 
 independent evaluations of support programs funded under this 
 subpart.
 ``

    (2) State progress.--As a condition of continuing to 
 receive funds under this subpart, for each year in which an 
 eligible State participates in the program under this subpart, 
 the eligible State shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the 
 Secretary that the eligible State has made adequate progress in 
 implementing or expanding evidence-based reforms or practices, 
 and improving enrollment, retention, transfer, or completion 
 rates or labor market outcomes among students with disparate 
 outcomes, such as students of color, low-income students, 
 students with disabilities, students in need of remediation, 
 first generation college students, student parents, and other 
 underserved student populations in such State.
 ``
            (c) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds awarded under this 
subpart shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, 
State, Tribal, local, and institutional funds that would otherwise be 
expended to carry out activities assisted under this subpart.

``

SEC. 806. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

 ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
subpart--
 ``

    (1) such sums as may be necessary for the fourth quarter 
 of fiscal year 2025;
 ``

    (2) $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and
 ``

    (3) such sums as may be necessary for each of the 
 following fiscal years.''.

 TITLE V--INCREASING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

SEC. 501. INCREASING SUCCESS FOR LOW-INCOME AND FIRST GENERATION 
 STUDENTS.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Federal Trio Programs.--

Section 402A

    (g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-
11

    (g) ) is amended by striking ``$900,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and 
such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal 
years'' and inserting ``$3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and such 
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2035''.

    (b) Authorization of Appropriations for Gear Up Programs.--

Section 404H of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-28) is 
amended by striking ``$400,000,000'' and all that follows through the 
period and inserting ``$736,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, and such sums 
as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029.''.

TITLE VI--INVESTMENTS IN HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, 
 TRIBAL COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES, AND OTHER MINORITY-SERVING 
 INSTITUTIONS

SEC. 601. APPROPRIATIONS FOR HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND 
 UNIVERSITIES, TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND 
 MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--

Section 371

    (b)

    (1)
        (A) of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q

    (b)

    (1)
        (A) ) is amended by striking 
``$255,000,000'' and all that follows through the period and inserting 
``$510,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter.''.

    (b) Allocation and Allotment.--

Section 371

    (b)

    (2)
        (A) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q

    (b)

    (2)
        (A) ) is amended--

    (1) in clause
            (i) , by striking ``100,000,000'' and 
 inserting ``200,000,000'';

    (2) in clause
            (ii) , by striking ``100,000,000'' and 
 inserting ``200,000,000''; and

    (3) in clause
            (iii) , by striking ``55,000,000'' and 
 inserting ``110,000,000''.

 TITLE VII--SNYDER ACT

SEC. 701. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING THE SNYDER ACT.

 Nothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, shall be 
construed to change or abrogate the Federal Government's 
responsibilities under the Act of November 2, 1921 (25 U.S.C. 13), 
(commonly known as the ``Snyder Act'').
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