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The signing of the GI Bills of Rights marked the beginning of federal involvement in higher education financing. However, this act only focused on helping to educate veterans, excluding other potential beneficiaries.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
The Act was created to support those studying in math, science, and modern languages by providing low-interest loans and debt cancellation. The hopes were for these students to use their talents towards helping America win the Cold War.
b. Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltex -
During his campaign, Johnson challenged Americans to build a “Great Society,” which would focus on eliminating troubles of the poor, which would include government assistance in higher education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3AuStymweQ U.S. History. (2016). Lyndon Johnson’s “The Great Society”. Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/us/56e.asp
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Johnson wins the presidency with over 61% of the vote, who would prove later to be a pillar supporter of federal government student aid. Freidel, F., & Sidey, H. (2006). Lyndon B. Johnson. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/lyndonbjohnson
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Johnson appoints John W. Gardner as chairman of the task force, to study the federal government's role in higher education.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
These recommendations were made, most making its way to the HEA: Grants to needy students, work-study program expansion, more use of loans and guarantees, opposition to tax credits for tuition, aid-packages based on student need, and a scholarship program.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fullte -
The passage of this education bill benefited primary and secondary education, and helped contribute to the War on Poverty. It would pave the way to the passage of the HEA. Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf
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President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Higher Education Act at his alma mater, Southwest Texas State College, now Texas State University.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
Reauthorizations included:Estbalishment of TRiO programs, increase in private lending in the loan program, funding to include aid based on student's income, and a more definite answer to what the government’s role in higher education.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
This amendment strove to increase grant-based assistance. The pillar in this reauthorization was the creation of the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant (Pell Grant). This deepened the government's support and dedication to higher education.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J.(2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
The eligibility rules for the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant (BEOG) became more relaxed, which set the stage for those who were considered eligible for need in the future.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
This act removed the income requirements of the loan program, allowing the middle-class, and essentially all student able to acquire loans. Soon, Congress would not be able to afford the high demands of loans.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
Student loan rates and borrowing icnreased and the Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) was created, allowing parents to borrow on behalf of their children. Also, the BEOG was renamed the Pell Grant.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542500.pdf -
This reauthorization focused on loans. Student borrowing was limitied only to student need, and annual and aggregate loan limits were increased, leaning federal aid towards borrowing.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.er.ed.gov/fulltext/ed542500.pdf -
There were no major changes to student loans. However, there was a decrease in the interest rates, making loans more appealing to students. The amendments also increased the maxinum Pell Grants, and had a greater bipartisan support in Congress.
Cervantes, A., Creusere, M., McMilion, R., McQueen, C., Short, M., Steiner, M., & Webster, J. (2005). Opening the doors to higher education: Perspective on the Higher Education Act 40 years later. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542 -
The law focused on taxpayer subsidies towards grants rather than towards loan companies. Amendments include Pell Grant Increases, fair loan repayment amounts, cut in interest rates, and student loan forgiveness programs.
The Institute for College Access & Success. (n.d.). The College Cost Reduction and Access Act. Retrieved from http://ticas.org/initiative/page/college-cost-reduction-and-access-act -
The act doesn’t focus on Title IV, since revisions were made to student aid in a 2007 act. It focuses on reporting procedures and disclosure obligations. Amendments include reporting college cost and tuition trends, stricter accreditation measures, and disclosing reports on campus safety. American Council on Education. (2008). ACE analysis of Higher Education Act reauthorization. Retrieved from http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Documents/ACE-Analysis-of-2008-Higher-Education-Act-Reauthorization.pd
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Provisions include: Empowering students and families to make informed decisions, simplifying and improving student aid, promoting innovation, access, and completion, and ensuring strong accountability and a limited federal role.
Kline, J. (2014). Committee Leaders Unveil Principles for Strengthening America’s Higher Education System
Announce next steps in HEA reauthorization process. Retrieved from http://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=385798 -
Congress is working to reauthorize the act. With the current presidential campaign, the process could delay. Clinton and Sanders support free tuition; Cruz believes student aid should lie in the hands of the states; Trump promises help with student debt. Whatever the outcome, the future of higher education funding lies in the hands of our politicians.https://www.nasfaa.org/news-item/5223/2016_Presidential_Candidates_Scattered_on_Higher_Ed_Student_Aid_Views
