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NCAN's Federal Policy Priorities

Access to higher education remains one of the most powerful pathways to economic mobility, yet students from low-income face significant barriers to college enrollment and completion. Despite possessing equal talent and potential, these students are far less likely to attend college and, once enrolled, encounter greater challenges in persisting to graduation. This opportunity gap not only limits individual potential but also constrains our collective economic prosperity.

 Federal policy plays a critical role in leveling the playing field for students from all economic backgrounds. Through strategic investments in financial aid, support services, and institutional capacity, we can remove barriers that prevent talented students from accessing and completing higher education. When more students have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, the benefits extend far beyond individual success—strengthening local communities, driving regional innovation, and fueling national economic growth. Creating educational opportunity is not just a matter of fairness; it's an economic imperative.

Policies to Create Opportunity for All Students

Realize the Promise of FAFSA Simplification

The FUTURE and FAFSA Simplification Acts streamlined federal aid applications. FSA should continue improving the process with real-time results, easy corrections, and ongoing testing. NCAN is working to drive a national FAFSA completion record in 2026.

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Protect the Pell Grant

The Pell Grant once covered most college costs but now covers less than one-third. Congress should restore it to 50% of costs, tie it to inflation, and ensure Workforce Pell does not threaten the program’s long-term stability.

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Reform & Invest in Student Aid

Federal Work-Study and SEOG help students afford college but need stronger investment. Lawmakers should expand SEOG and modernize Work-Study to better serve institutions enrolling large numbers of low-income students.

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Communicate College Cost & Value

Students need clear, consistent information about college costs and outcomes. Congress should standardize financial aid letters and improve transparency around return on investment to help students make informed decisions.

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Accelerate College Completion

Postsecondary credentials offer strong economic benefits, but access remains unequal. Congress should invest in proven strategies that support completion for students from underrepresented, low-income, and marginalized backgrounds.

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Preserve AmeriCorps, TRIO, & GEAR UP

TRIO, GEAR UP, and national service programs like AmeriCorps are vital to college access and success. Continued federal support ensures students can connect with advisers and resources that guide them to and through college.

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Enhance Food Security

Food insecurity affects nearly one in four college students, hindering success and well-being. Federal policy should simplify SNAP processes and expand emergency aid to help students meet basic needs and stay enrolled.

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Improve Loan Counseling

Student loan counseling should be clear, accurate, and student-centered. ED should ensure it reflects total debt, aligns with expected earnings, and helps borrowers make informed decisions without creating barriers.

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Protecting Students' Civil Rights, Data Privacy, & Services

Recent federal actions have raised concerns about student data privacy and the future of the Department of Education. Protecting data systems and preserving federal education infrastructure is essential to student success.

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Advocacy Tools and Resources

Tools:

Advocacy How-To Resources:

NCAN's Federal Policy Updates

  • May 22, 2026: NCAN submitted outside witness testimony to the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee in support of Pell Grant funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027
  • May 12, 2026: NCAN joined a letter led by the Student Aid Alliance urging the US Department of Education (ED) to fully fund the Pell Grant and maintain investments in key federal student aid programs in FY27.
  • April 15, 2026: NCAN submitted FY27 appropriations requests to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education, urging Congress to fund the Pell Grant shortfall, increase the maximum award, and maintain investments in TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work-Study, FSEOG, and AmeriCorps.
  • April 6, 2026: NCAN submitted public comment in response to ED's proposed AHEAD Committee rule on Workforce Pell Grants.
  • April 2, 2026: NCAN submitted public comment on the draft 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, with input from our national team, FAFSA Experts Group, and members.
  • March 25, 2026: NCAN joined a coalition letter led by the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs and 91 organizations urging Congress to include $45 million for the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program in FY2027 appropriations.
  • March 13, 2026: NCAN joined a coalition letter led by the Student Aid Alliance asking leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor-HHS-Education to protect and increase funding for key federal student aid programs in FY27.
  • March 12, 2026: NCAN endorsed the America's Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act, legislation that would expand AmeriCorps, increase the value of the AmeriCorps education award, and lower student debt for national service members.
  • March 9, 2026: NCAN endorsed the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act, a bipartisan bill that would exempt the AmeriCorps Education Award from federal taxation.
  • March 2, 2026: NCAN submitted public comment to ED on the proposed RISE Committee regulations, concerning eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • November 17, 2025: NCAN shared recommendations with ED regarding the implementation of Workforce Pell Grants and work that will be covered by the AHEAD negotiated rulemaking committee.
  • October 24, 2025: NCAN submitted public comment in response to Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy's (R-LA) request for information on improving transparency in higher education and lowering costs for students.
  • October 15, 2025: NCAN joined a comment letter signed by 50 organizations in the Postsecondary Data Collaborative responding to the Department of Education's request for information on the redesign of the Institute for Education Sciences (IES)
  • September 17, 2025: NCAN endorsed a letter led by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) opposing changes to the PSLF program.
  • September 17, 2025: NCAN submitted public comment on the proposed changes to employer eligibility for PSLF.
  • September 15, 2025: NCAN co-led a sign on letter joined by 88 organizations urging Congress to protect the Pell Grant in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and to offset the impact of inflation with an increase to the maximum award.
  • July 29, 2025: NCAN endorsed the College Transparency Act, introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
  • June 6, 2025: NCAN joined a coalition letter led by the #DoublePellAlliance and signed by over 170 organizations, calling on Congress to fully fund the Pell Grant and reject any cuts to student eligibility proposed in the budget reconciliation bill.
  • May 5, 2025: NCAN submitted public comment on proposed revisions to eligibility for PSLF.
  • March 28, 2025: NCAN submitted comments on the draft 2026-27 FAFSA.
  • March 19, 2025: NCAN joined a coalition letter led by the Student Aid Alliance asking leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to increase funding for key federal student aid programs for FY26 appropriations.
  • March 15, 2025: NCAN co-led a coalition letter signed by 101 organizations, calling on Congress to avoid harmful cuts to the Pell Grant, federal student loans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid during budget reconciliation, as these programs provide crucial support for students pursuing a postsecondary degree, and in turn, strengthen our nation’s workforce and economy.
  • March 10, 2025: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 87 organizations in the Postsecondary Data Collaborative, urging Congress to exercise its oversight authority to investigate and demand transparency regarding recent cuts to the IES and concerns about access to sensitive student data.
  • February 26, 2025: NCAN co-led a coalition letter signed by over 100 organizations calling on Congress to shore up funding for the Pell Grant, and prevent a shortfall, by using savings from the budget reconciliation act.
  • NCAN joined a Student Aid Alliance sent to ED and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating for robust funding increases for federal student aid programs in the FY26 budget proposal.
  • September 10, 2024: NCAN submitted public comment in response to ED's RFI regarding ways to support the successful completion and submission of the 2025-26 FAFSA.
  • July 23, 2024: NCAN, in coalition with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the National Association of State Student Grant & Aid Programs (NASSGAP), and State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO), sent a letter to ED expressing the need for the FAFSA to have full end-to-end functionality when it is released for the 2025-26 cycle this year.
  • July 19, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 49 organizations urging Congress to reject the proposed elimination of the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students (Basic Needs Grant) Program and increase funding to $45 million for FY25.
  • July 5, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 44 organizations in the Student Aid Alliance expressing concern to the House Committee on Appropriations about proposed funding cuts to Federal Work-Study and SEOG programs for FY25 and urging Congress to increase funding levels for federal student aid programs.
  • June 28, 2024: NCAN submitted public comment on the ED's proposed rule for the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program.
  • June 10, 2024: NCAN worked with NASFAA to organize a coalition letter signed by 25 organizations urging ED to commit to an October 1 launch date for the 2025-26 FAFSA cycle.
  • May 31, 2024: NCAN submitted public comment on the FSA ID account creation process for individuals without a social security number and provided suggestions to address and improve ongoing issues with the FAFSA.
  • May 24, 2024: NCAN submitted public comment on ED's process to determine high-quality college completion programs and award PSSG for institutions of higher education.
  • May 23, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 63 organizations asking Congress to increase SNAP funding for college students without cutting any existing benefits in this year’s Farm Bill reauthorization.
  • May 22, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 97 organizations in the Double Pell Alliance advocating for increased investments in the Pell Grant program for FY25.
  • May 3, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 24 members of the Postsecondary Data Collaborative to ED, providing input and support for proposed changes to the 2024-25 through 2026-27 IPEDS data collection.
  • April 30, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 60 organizations asking Congress to increase funding for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program to $500 million for FY25.
  • April 26, 2024: NCAN submitted appropriations requests for FY25 to the leadership of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
  • April 22, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 16 organizations asking Congress to appropriate at least $100 million for the PSSG program for FY25.
  • April 2, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 168 organizations urging Congress to address the growing crisis of hunger and food insecurity among students in higher education during Farm Bill reauthorization this year.
  • February 27, 2024: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by 70 organizations asking Congress to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with continued funding in the next appropriations legislation.
  • February 26, 2024: NCAN submitted public comment on the process for FSA ID account creation for individuals without a Social Security number.
  • October 22, 2023: NCAN submitted public comment on ED's final 2024-25 FAFSA.
  • October 13, 2023: NCAN and our partners wrote a letter to the US Secretary of Education asking for a Better FAFSA release date to be announced as soon as possible.
  • September 19, 2023: NCAN signed a National Student Parent Month thank you letter to Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tom Carper (D-DE).
  • June 29, 2023: NCAN helped organize a coalition letter asking Congress to protect the Pell Grant reserve.
  • June 27, 2023: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by over 22 national nonprofit organizations that work to advance educational equity in urging ED to rethink the proposed Third Party Serving (TPS) guidance.
  • May 15, 2023: NCAN joined a coalition letter signed by over 750 local, state, and national organizations in urging Congress to reject cuts to non-defense discretionary appropriations.
  • April 25, 2023: NCAN submitted public comment on ED's draft 2024-25 FAFSA.
  • March 31, 2023: NCAN submitted public comment on ED's updated guidance on the definition, roles, and responsibilities of a TPS.
  • March 23, 2023: NCAN submitted an appropriations request for FY24 to the leadership of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education.
  • March 22, 2023: NCAN joined a coalition letter to endorse the Pell Grant Sustainability Act that would restore the grant’s automatic annual inflation adjustment to preserve its value over time.
  • March 22, 2023: NCAN joined a coalition letter expressing support for the US Secretary of Education’s authority to set aside up to 0.5% of funds from certain Higher Education Act programs for data analysis, data collection, and rigorous evaluations.
  • February 17, 2023: NCAN joined a coalition letter to respond to ED's RFI regarding the evaluation "set aside" funds from certain Higher Education Act programs that can be used for data analysis, collection, and evaluations.
  • February 10, 2023: NCAN provided comment to a ED RFI regarding public transparency for "low-financial value" postsecondary programs.
  • January 2023: IHEP and Results for America developed recommendations, with contributions from higher education experts, including NCAN's own Catherine Brown, to help inform ED's decision-making on using its evaluation set-aside authority for the FY22 Consolidated Appropriations Act and maintained in the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
  • December 14, 2022: NASFAA and NCAN sent a letter to the White House and ED requesting confirmation that the 2024-25 FAFSA will be ready on October 1, 2023.
  • December 13, 2022: NCAN joined a coalition letter urging Congress to advance reforms to standardize financial aid award letters, through the Understanding the True Cost of College Act.
  • December 12, 2022: NCAN joined a coalition letter urging Congress to pass necessary protections for Dreamers and DACA students.
  • November 28, 2022: NCAN joined a coalition letter urging Congress to repeal the tax on Pell Grants when aid is applied to "non-tuition" costs such as college students' basic needs (food, housing, and child care).
  • November 21, 2022: NCAN resubmitted program funding requests for fiscal year 2023 to the US Senate and House Committees on Appropriations (Labor-HHS-Ed Subcommittees). Please see the requests here: House and Senate.
  • November 8, 2022: NCAN joined a coalition letter to Congress requesting an update to the federal student aid rules around Satisfactory Academic Progress, which can present a barrier to student persistence and completion.
  • November 4, 2022: NCAN joined a coalition request letter to Congress to include college completion funding (PSSG) in appropriations for FY23.
  • September 30, 2022: NCAN submitted public comment on FSA's 2023-2027 strategic plan.
  • August 11, 2022: NCAN submitted public comment, in response to request, on the demographic survey to be included in the 2023-24 FAFSA.
  • June 15, 2022: NCAN joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, TheDream.US, and many other partners in a letter celebrating the 10th anniversary of DACA and calls for policymakers to pass legislation that includes a path to citizenship for all “DREAMers.”
  • May 11, 2022: NCAN submitted program funding requests for FY23 to the US Senate Committee on Appropriations (Labor-HHS-Ed Subcommittee). Please see the overview of NCAN's requests here.
  • April 21, 2022: NCAN submitted public comment on the 2023-24 FAFSA outlining areas of opportunity for increasing the usability and efficiency of the FAFSA.
  • April 13, 2022: NCAN joined an education community letter to Congress requesting support and prioritization for the mental and behavioral health needs of students in higher education.
  • February 23, 2022: NCAN joined an education community letter to the president that the FY23 budget request include significant investments for evidence-based college completion initiatives.
  • February 11, 2022: NCAN, NASFAA, and The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) - joined by a broad coalition of organizations - drafted a letter to urge the administration to extend the FAFSA income verification waivers.
  • January 21, 2022: NCAN signed a joint letter of endorsement for the Promoting Advancement for Transit Help to College Act, which would create grants for public transit providers to collaborate with institutions and increase access to transportation for students.
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