Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026

The Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible entities, including public institutions of higher education, partnerships, and Tribal Colleges or Universities. The primary purpose of these grants is to support evidence-based programs that enhance the participation, retention, and completion rates of high-need students in postsecondary education. These high-need students are broadly defined to include individuals from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, caregivers, students with disabilities, justice-impacted students, and military-connected students.

Grant recipients must implement programs that utilize evidence-based reforms and practices, categorized into three tiers based on their proven effectiveness. A portion of the funding is specifically reserved for programs incorporating the most rigorous evidence tier 3 reforms, and 2 percent is allocated for eligible Indian entities. Funds are intended for a range of student services, such as comprehensive academic and career advising, accelerated learning opportunities like dual enrollment, and efforts to improve transfer pathways between institutions.

Additionally, the grants support direct student services, including tutoring and emergency financial assistance, alongside initiatives for career preparation through coaching and work-based learning. Institutions can also use funds for recruiting and retaining faculty and instructional staff to better serve students. The bill mandates that the Secretary evaluate the effectiveness of these funded programs and disseminate information on their impact to ensure continuous improvement in student success outcomes.