S.1347 - Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1347, the "Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to expand access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school programs. It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible institutions for these programs, prioritizing those serving low-income students, students in rural schools, and first-generation college students.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely increase the number of high school students participating in dual enrollment and early college programs. This could lead to more students earning college credits while in high school, potentially reducing the overall cost and time required to complete a college degree. The Act also mandates evaluations and reports to assess the effectiveness of the funded programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to higher education opportunities for high school students.
- Potential reduction in the cost and time needed to complete a college degree.
- Prioritization of support for low-income, rural, and first-generation college students.
- Enhanced collaboration between local educational agencies and institutions of higher education.
- Professional development opportunities for educators and counselors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on educational institutions to manage grant applications and program implementation.
- Possible strain on resources at institutions of higher education to accommodate increased dual enrollment participation.
- Risk of inequitable access if certain schools or districts are unable to effectively partner with higher education institutions.
- Potential for increased federal spending, depending on the scale of grant awards.
- The effectiveness of the programs depends on the quality of implementation and the transferability of credits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve educational opportunities for citizens. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare." The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and education is traditionally an area of state control. However, the federal government has a long history of providing funding and setting guidelines for education, so this bill does not appear to infringe on states' rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).