S. 5665: America’s College Promise Act of 2026

This bill would create a federal-state grant program to make community college tuition and mandatory fees free for eligible students. The federal government would provide funding, and states would need to contribute matching funds and meet certain requirements in order to participate. Schools and states would also have to follow rules designed to support student success, including services that help students enroll, stay in school, and transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

Free Community College Program

The bill sets up a program that would reduce community college tuition and required fees to $0 for students covered by the program. States that want to take part would have to apply, provide matching funding, and comply with federal conditions. These conditions include maintaining support for students, reporting on outcomes each year, and creating or strengthening clear transfer pathways so students can move more easily from community college to other higher education programs.

Support for Student Completion and Transfer

In addition to covering tuition and fees, the bill focuses on helping students finish school and move on to the next stage of education. It creates a Student Success Fund and related grant programs aimed at increasing enrollment, retention, transfer, and graduation, especially for students who have traditionally had less access to higher education. Schools using these funds would have to meet application, spending, and reporting requirements.

Targeted Aid for Certain Institutions and Students

The bill includes extra grant programs and relief measures for Tribal Colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and other schools serving underserved communities. These programs are meant to help those institutions better support students and improve completion outcomes. The bill also provides for additional assistance during economic downturns, which could help colleges and students during periods of financial stress or reduced enrollment.

Oversight and Funding

The legislation would authorize major annual appropriations for these programs and would require ongoing tracking of how the money is used. States and institutions receiving funds would need to submit annual reports and meet program rules tied to eligibility, matching funds, and student-support services. The overall structure is designed to tie federal funding to performance, access, and accountability requirements.

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