Debt-Free College Act of 2026

AI-generated ?

Report an error

Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Students could go to public colleges without debt, and Dreamers would get Pell Grants.

This bill would create programs to help students attend public colleges without debt. It would also help students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) avoid debt. Dreamer students would also become eligible for federal financial aid like Pell Grants, making college more affordable for many.

What Would Change

Right now, many students take on significant debt for college, and Dreamer students cannot get federal financial aid like Pell Grants. If this bill becomes law, states could get federal money to help students attend public colleges without debt, and HBCUs and MSIs would get grants to do the same. Dreamer students would also become eligible for federal student aid.

Key Provisions

Lets states partner with the federal government to offer debt-free college at public universities for eligible students.
Caps tuition and fees at public colleges in participating states, allowing only small yearly increases based on inflation.
Provides federal grants to Historically Black Colleges and Minority-Serving Institutions to help their students attend without debt.
Makes certain Dreamer students eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants.
Requires states and participating institutions to maintain their current funding levels for higher education and student support.
Sets aside about $84 billion for the state partnership program and $3 billion for the HBCU/MSI program for the fiscal year 2027.

View on Congress.gov

HR 10455 · 119th Congress · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Debt-Free College Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity