What does Preamble of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants. The grants are intended to support the creation of evidence-based student success programs. These programs are designed to increase participation, retention, and completion rates of high-need students.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026.

What does PURPOSE. of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to support activities that promote the postsecondary success of high-need students.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Completion rate” is defined as the percentage of students graduating or transferring from a 2-year or 4-year institution. “Dual or concurrent enrollment program,” “early college high school,” and “evidence-based” are defined by reference to section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. “Eligible entity” includes public institutions of higher education, partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher education, and consortia of institutions of higher education. “Eligible Indian entity” refers to the entity governing a Tribal College or University. “Evidence tiers” are categorized into three levels based on the rigor of evaluation and demonstrated impact on student success. “High-need student” includes students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, caregivers, students with disabilities, those who stopped out, justice-impacted students, and military-connected students. “Institution of higher education” is defined by reference to section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Education. “Tribal College or University” is defined by reference to section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

What does RESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE INDIAN ENTITIES. of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary to reserve 2 percent of the total amount appropriated to carry out the Act. The reserved funds are for grants to eligible Indian entities. The grants are intended to increase participation, retention, and completion rates of high-need students.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF POSTSECONDARY STUDENT SUCCESS COMPETITIVE of Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Postsecondary Student Success Competitive Grants program, authorizing grants from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. Eligible entities can apply for grants to provide student services aimed at increasing participation, retention, and completion rates of high-need students. Applications must include a plan to increase attainment and completion rates, focusing on high-need students and utilizing evidence-based reforms. Applicants must detail annual benchmarks, evaluation plans, Pell Grant recipient rates, and student demographics. Grant funds can be used for comprehensive academic, career, and student services, accelerated learning opportunities, and improving transfer pathways. A minimum of 20 percent of appropriated funds are reserved for grants incorporating evidence tier 3 reforms alongside evidence tiers 1 and 2. Funds may support faculty and peer counseling, data-driven student progress monitoring, emergency financial assistance, and career coaching. The Secretary may set aside funds for administration, capacity building, research, evaluation, reporting, and technical assistance. Evaluations will assess the effectiveness of implemented reforms and practices, comparing outcomes for participating students with similar non-participating students. The Secretary is required to submit a final report to specified congressional committees within 18 months of the Act's enactment.

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Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program to support evidence-based initiatives at institutions of higher education designed to increase participation, retention, and completion rates for high-need students.
The bill requires the Secretary of Education to reserve 2 percent of appropriated funds specifically for grants to Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Grant applications must detail plans to improve student attainment and completion, utilize evidence-based reforms, and include annual benchmarks and evaluation plans.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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