This decade, two million qualified students will skip college because they can't afford it.

Updates:

Congress Passes Higher Education Opportunity and Affordability Act

Congress passed the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act – the Higher Education Opportunity and Affordability Act on July 31 with a vote of 83-8 in the Senate and 380-49 in the House. The President is expected to sign the bill. Highlights of the Act include:

-Making Pell Grants available year round and increases grants from $4,800 to $6,000 for 2009; $8,000 in 2014
-Simplifying the FAFSA application process
-Establishing new grant programs for Master’s programs at historically black institutions
-Requiring textbook publishers to “unbundled” materials such as CDs and workbooks
-Requiring colleges to list prices of required and recommended textbooks for each course online
-Providing support for veterans as well as students with disabilities to attend college -Expanding college access for low-income and minority students
-Cracking down on diploma mills
-Requiring better consumer disclosures and protections on private student loans
-Improving campus safety and help schools recover after a disaster
-Ensuring equal college opportunities and fair learning environments for disabled students
-Strengthening college readiness programs such as TRIO and GEAR UP
-Encouraging energy-efficiency and sustainability programs


New GI Bill Provides Veterans with Access to Education
The 21st Century GI Bill was signed into law on June 30 as part of H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, which passed the Senate on May 22 with a vote of 75-22 and the House on May 15 with a vote of 256-166. The bill -- which had 58 Senate co-sponsors and 302 House co-sponsors -- provides tuition, textbook, and a monthly stipend for veterans. The bill signed today contains all of the provisions contained in the original bill sponsored by Senator Jim Webb, S. 22. Those benefits and more information on the bill can be found here.

Join our campaign to make an affordable college education within reach of everyone:

  • Thank your Representatives and Senators – Congress passed legislation that would increase need-based grants and cut interest rates on student loans. The measure passed despite overwhelming opposition from the student loan industry. Make sure that Congress hears that they made the right decision, and urge them to support other efforts to make college affordable. You can send a thank you letter using the form on the right side of this page.


  • Spread the Word – Improving access to education isn’t easy – you will need some help. Let your friends, coworkers, classmates, and family know about the Campaign for College Affordability. Here are a few easy ways to get others involved:

    • 1. Share on Facebook– Publish the campaign in your mini-feed! You can let all of your friends on Facebook know with one easy click.

    • 2. Use the social bookmarking tools below to get the word out to your network.


  • Get involved in one of the great organizations that are part of this campaign:




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