GRAD Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7341

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-02-20T19:28:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act (GRAD Act), H.R. 7341, aims to expand access to federal grants for graduate education programs by including additional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). These are schools that primarily serve Black or African American students. The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make more of these institutions eligible for funding, focusing on those offering master's degree programs.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility Expansion for HBCUs (Section 723 Amendment):
• Adds "part B institutions" (a category of HBCUs under the law) that offer a "qualified master's degree program" (typically advanced programs in fields like education, business, or sciences) and are not already listed as eligible.
• Updates funding rules: After initial allocations under paragraph (2), any remaining funds can be distributed to these newly eligible HBCUs, removing a previous cap on excess funding over $9 million.

• Eligibility Expansion for PBIs (Section 724 Amendment):
• Adds PBIs that offer a qualified master's degree program and are not already listed as eligible.
• Similarly updates funding rules: After initial allocations under paragraph (2), any remaining funds can be distributed to these newly eligible PBIs, removing a previous cap on excess funding over $2.5 million.

• Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act" or "GRAD Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadened Eligibility: Previously, only specific HBCUs and PBIs (listed under subparagraphs A through R for HBCUs and A through E for PBIs) were eligible for these grants. The bill adds unlisted institutions in these categories if they offer qualified master's programs, increasing the pool of recipients.
• Funding Distribution Adjustment: Shifts from capping "excess" funds (amounts over fixed thresholds) to distributing all remaining funds after priority allocations. This could allow more flexible and potentially higher funding for eligible schools without rigid limits.
• No changes to overall grant purposes, which support strengthening graduate programs at these institutions through activities like faculty development and curriculum enhancement.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Education, which administers these grants, may need to update eligibility reviews and fund allocation processes, potentially increasing administrative workload but also distributing funds more equitably among minority-serving schools.
• On Citizens: Students at HBCUs and PBIs, particularly from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, could gain better access to affordable graduate education, improving career opportunities in fields requiring master's degrees. This may help address educational inequities without direct costs to individuals.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic higher education funding with no provisions affecting foreign institutions or global policies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Higher Education Institutions: Primarily HBCUs (e.g., those classified under "part B" of the law) and PBIs that offer master's programs but were previously ineligible; they stand to receive new or additional grant funding.
• Students and Faculty: Enrollees and educators at these schools, especially Black and minority students, who may benefit from enhanced programs and resources.
• Federal Government: The Department of Education and Congress, responsible for oversight and funding allocation.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations supporting minority education, such as those for HBCUs, who may influence implementation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing federal support for minority-serving institutions under Title III of the Higher Education Act, ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws by promoting equal access. No new enforcement mechanisms are added, so it builds on current frameworks without creating legal challenges.
• Constitutional: Aligns with the Equal Protection Clause by addressing historical underfunding of institutions serving marginalized groups, without raising concerns about discrimination or overreach into state education matters.
• Political: Represents bipartisan support for equity in higher education (introduced with co-sponsors from both parties), potentially advancing goals of racial justice and workforce development. It could influence future budget debates on education funding, emphasizing targeted aid over broad increases.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (14)

Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (3 pages)