College Affordability & Accessibility

As the cost of college rises faster than the rate of inflation, the Committee has been hard at work on measures to make college more affordable and accessible to qualified students. (Tips on how to apply for federal student loans and grants »)

• The Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 »
  On May 7, this measure was signed into law, providing new protections, in addition to those in current law, to ensure that families can continue to access the loans they need to pay for college.
   
• College Opportunity & Affordability Act of 2007 »
  Legislation passed by the House on February 7 to address the soaring price of college and remove other obstacles that make it harder for qualified students to go to college.
   
• College Cost Reduction and Access Act »
  On September 27, 2007 the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (H.R. 2669) was signed into law and will provide the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill.  And it will do so at no new cost to taxpayers, by cutting excess subsidies paid by the federal government to lenders in the student loan industry.
   
• Student Loan Scandal »
  Democrats take action on student loan scandal, passing the bipartisan Student Loan Sunshine Act, calling for emergency reforms in the student loan industry and conducting investigations of conflicts of interest.
   
• College Student Relief Act »
  On January 17, 2007, the House passed the College Student Relief Act.