FINAL VERSION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACT

Washington, Jul 31, 2008 - “Increasingly, a higher education is vital to attaining professional and financial security,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “Over a working life, those with a higher education earn 73 percent more than high school graduates. I am proud to represent the University of Florida as well as several community colleges, and I appreciate this chance to support legislation to make college more affordable and more accessible.”

The House today approved the Conference Report on H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which is the final veducationersion of the bill developed through House and Senate negotiations. In addition to reauthorizing the Higher Education Act through fiscal year 2012, H.R. 4137 reforms the higher education system to better meet the needs of students and families.

“The measure increases the maximum Pell grant to $8,000 per year by the 2014/2015 academic year, up from $5,800,” explained Stearns, “and provides that these grants can be used year round for part-time students. It also creates a ‘higher education price index’ to help students and families measure and compare tuition increases at different colleges. In addition, it includes several provisions to assist those in the military and veterans: requires institutions to treat students returning from military service as continuously enrolled students; funds scholarships for family members of veterans or active duty military personnel; establishes a web site outlining financial aid information for veterans and members of the military; and requires states to provide in-state tuition to all members of the military, as well as their spouses and dependent children.”