College Affordability and Accessibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8618
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T16:43:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Legislation Summary: College Affordability and Accessibility Act (H.R. 8618)
Purpose
This bill aims to make college more affordable by increasing the maximum Federal Pell Grant award (a need-based federal grant for low-income undergraduate students to help pay for college costs) and extending eligibility flexibility to allow more time and certain post-undergraduate uses.
Key Provisions
- Maximum Pell Grant Increase (effective July 1, 2026):
- For award years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028: Sets the total maximum at $14,800 per student, reduced by any amount specified in the latest appropriations law for that year.
- For 2028-2029 and later: Starts at $14,800, adjusted annually by the annual adjustment percentage (estimated change in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, a measure of inflation), then reduced by the appropriated maximum.
- Extended Eligibility Period:
- Increases the lifetime limit for receiving Pell Grants from 12 to 16 semesters (or equivalent).
- Allows Pell Grants for the first postbaccalaureate course of study (advanced study after a bachelor's degree) at eligible institutions if:
- The student used at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters for their first undergraduate bachelor's degree.
- They would otherwise qualify but for having completed the bachelor's.
- Total usage stays within the 16-semester limit.
- Excludes non-credit or remedial (catch-up) courses from counting toward the limit.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the main law governing federal student aid):
- Revises Section 401(b)(5)(A) to set and adjust the maximum Pell Grant amount.
- Adds a definition of "annual adjustment percentage" in Section 401(a)(2).
- Updates Section 401(b)(8)(A) and Section 401(d)(1) to include postbaccalaureate eligibility.
- Changes Section 401(d)(5)(A) lifetime limit from 12 to 16 semesters.
These changes apply to award years starting July 1, 2026.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Low-income students gain access to higher grants (up to $14,800 base) and more time (up to 16 semesters), potentially reducing out-of-pocket college costs and enabling some post-bachelor's study; could increase college enrollment and completion rates.
- On Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Education must implement higher awards and track extended eligibility, likely increasing program costs (dependent on appropriations); Congress may face pressure for matching funds.
- No apparent impacts on international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students: Primarily low-income undergraduates and qualifying postbaccalaureate students.
- Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities (eligible under Section 101 definitions) benefit from increased student aid availability.
- U.S. Department of Education: Administers changes to Pell Grant calculations and eligibility.
- Taxpayers and Congress: Bear costs through federal appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Expands an existing entitlement program under the Higher Education Act, requiring precise CPI calculations by the Secretary of Education; ties awards to appropriations to avoid unfunded mandates.
- Constitutional: Relies on Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) for education aid, with no novel challenges anticipated.
- Political: Promotes college access without mandating free tuition; could spark debates on federal spending, inflation adjustments, and aid for post-baccalaureate (non-traditional) students.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- College Affordability and Accessibility Act — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (5 pages)