Postsecondary Student Success Act of 2026

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. The primary purpose is to support evidence-based activities designed to increase participation, retention, and completion rates for high-need students in postsecondary education.

Eligible entities, including public institutions of higher education, partnerships with nonprofit educational organizations, and consortia, can apply for these grants. A specific reservation of 2 percent of funds is set aside for eligible Indian entities, such as Tribal Colleges or Universities. High-need students are broadly defined to include those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, caregiver students, students with disabilities, and military-connected students, among others.

Grant applications must outline a plan to increase attainment and completion rates, focusing on high-need students and detailing the use of evidence-based reforms. These reforms are categorized into three tiers based on their proven effectiveness. Funds must be used for activities like providing comprehensive academic, career, and student services, offering accelerated learning opportunities, and improving transfer pathways.

Specifically, funds can support:

• Student services such as counseling, real-time data use, and transfer student success initiatives;
• Direct student support services, including tutoring and emergency financial assistance; and
• Efforts to prepare students for careers through coaching, networking, and work-based learning.

The bill also mandates evaluations of the funded programs to assess their effectiveness and impact on student outcomes, with results reported to Congress.