4
3

Fair College Admissions for Students Act

3/30/2026, 6:17 PM

Summary of Bill S 880

Bill 119 s 880, also known as the Legacy and Donor Admissions Prohibition Act, aims to make changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill specifically targets institutions of higher education that receive federal student assistance programs, prohibiting them from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to legacy students or donors.

Legacy students are those who have family members who previously attended the institution, while donors are individuals or organizations that have made significant financial contributions to the school. The bill seeks to level the playing field in the college admissions process by ensuring that all applicants are considered based on their merits and qualifications, rather than their family connections or financial contributions.

If passed, this legislation would have a significant impact on the admissions policies of many colleges and universities across the country. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to promote fairness and equity in higher education, while critics may argue that it could potentially limit the ability of institutions to raise funds from donors. Overall, Bill 119 s 880 represents an important step towards ensuring that the college admissions process is based on merit and fairness, rather than privilege and wealth. It will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the higher education system in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 880

Fair College Admissions for Students Act

This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni of the IHE.

Current Status of Bill S 880

Bill S 880 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 6, 2025. Bill S 880 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 6, 2025.  Bill S 880's most recent activity was Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held. as of March 19, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 880

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 880

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Potential Impact Areas

- Government lending and loan guarantees
- Higher education
- School administration
- Student aid and college costs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 880

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education participating in Federal student assistance programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to legacy students or donors.
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education participating in Federal student assistance programs from giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to legacy students or donors.

Comments

Allie McKinney profile image

Allie McKinney

825

1 year ago

This bill is so unfair, it's gonna mess up everything for us college students. 😞

Emilia Williams profile image

Emilia Williams

874

1 year ago

I don't think it's fair that they want to change it.

Nori Strauss profile image

Nori Strauss

839

1 year ago

It's really sad that this bill is still being debated. It's important to ensure fair college admissions for all students. I hope it can make a positive impact on our education system.

Latest Bills

Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act
Bill HR 8464June 5, 2026
Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act
Bill HR 8312June 4, 2026
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027
Bill HR 8646June 4, 2026
No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026
Bill HR 8914June 4, 2026
No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
Bill HR 7892June 4, 2026
No Funds for Repeat Child Care Violations Act of 2026
Bill HR 7726June 4, 2026
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7726) to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to withhold funds from noncompliant States under such Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7892) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8872) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to target funds to low-income families, strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds, require measurement of improper payments, and establish goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families, and for other purposes.
Bill HRES 1333June 4, 2026
Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act
Bill HR 8872June 4, 2026
Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
Bill HRES 1336June 4, 2026
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Bill SJRES 185June 4, 2026
Fair College Admissions for Students Act
Bill HR 2809April 24, 2025