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Updating the Higher Education Act to Equitably Support Students of Color

The Higher Education Act (HEA) is currently under review for potential amendments intended to enhance support for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. Experts advocate for revisions to Titles III and V of the act to better reflect the contemporary educational landscape.

Current Landscape of Minority-Serving Institutions

As of now, approximately 20% of higher education institutions in the United States hold the designation of minority-serving institutions (MSIs). These institutions collectively enroll over 25% of all undergraduate students and nearly half of all undergraduate students of color in the country. A significant proportion of these students are recipients of Pell Grants, which reflects their low-income status.

Funding Disparities in Education

Recent analyses indicate that MSIs experience significant funding disparities relative to their predominantly white counterparts. Historical data show that public land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been underfunded by an estimated $12.8 billion over the past thirty years. Additionally, a report released in 2010 revealed that MSIs received approximately $13,185 less per full-time equivalent student compared to non-MSIs, underscoring systemic inequities within educational funding.

The Role of MSIs in Higher Education

Despite these financial challenges, MSIs play a crucial role in higher education. In 2014, HBCUs represented only a small portion of institutions receiving federal aid, yet they contributed to 17% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded to Black Americans. These contributions highlight the need for legislative intervention to bolster financial support for these institutions.

Need for Legislative Change

Currently, the legislation governing Titles III and V has not changed since its implementation, even as emerging needs have been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in federal admissions policies, and ongoing discussions regarding education funding. Research conducted by EdTrust, which incorporated feedback from MSI leaders, identified several critical areas in need of improvement.

Insights from EdTrust Research

Eight key insights emerged from these discussions, emphasizing that funding processes inadequately consider the diversity within MSI designations and highlighting existing gaps in the implementation of federal funds. Additionally, the timeliness of funding disbursement was identified as a significant concern.

Policy Recommendations

In light of these findings, EdTrust has presented seven policy recommendations for Congress and the Department of Education. These recommendations include increasing annual funding for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and MSIs; reevaluating criteria for competitive funding programs; and improving guidance for institutions regarding permissible funding activities.

Conclusion

In summary, the proposed revisions to the Higher Education Act seek to enhance support for the essential role that MSIs play in promoting educational equity for historically underserved students. By addressing funding disparities and institutional needs, these legislative changes could substantially affect the accessibility and success of higher education for students of color throughout the nation.

Source: EdTrust

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