The College Opportunity and Affordability Act

As a student preparing for college, I can say firsthand that college is unbelievably expensive and the process for applying for aid is long and painful. Congress recognizes this problem and is working on fixing it. On February 7, the US House passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, which is a reauthoriztion of the Higher Education Act. The bill passed with a vote of 354 - 58. The bill hopes to:

• lessen the cost of a higher education
• encourage colleges and universities to make tuition and aid information more easily accessable
• improve student loan programs
• simplify the aid application process
• make text books more affordable
• expand college access for minorities and low-income families
• improve safety and disaster plans
• help students with disabilities
• increase aid for veterans and military families

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkf7_WvHkMg for an interview with George Miller, committee chairman.

*information gathered from House website, visit for more information : http://edlabor.house.gov/