S. 880 Introduced Education

Fair College Admissions for Students Act

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education participating in Federal student assistance programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to legacy students or donors.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] Introduced March 6, 2025 Cosponsors 2 (1 R, 1 D) Latest action March 19, 2026

Summary

Fair College Admissions for Students Act
This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni of the IHE.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Mar 19, 2026 Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
  2. Mar 6, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  3. Mar 6, 2025 Introduced in Senate

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