Federal Statute
Higher Education Act (HEA) - Title IV
Description
Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) governs federal student financial aid programs—including grants, loans, and work-study—setting eligibility criteria for institutions and students and establishing rules for administering these funds. The statute designates the U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), to oversee all Title IV programs.
Action to take
- Monitor Legislative Changes – Track any revisions or updates to the statute by Congress.
- Follow Rulemaking – Stay informed about U.S. Department of Education rulemaking related to the statute, including proposed and final regulations.
- Review Guidance – Monitor guidance documents, agency notices, and policy updates that clarify or implement statutory requirements.
- Assess Impact – Evaluate how legislative or regulatory changes affect institutional programs, policies, and compliance obligations.
- Update Policies – Adjust internal policies and procedures as needed to maintain compliance with current laws and regulations.
Enactment date
Title IV of the HEA was legislation passed along with the broader Higher Education Act in 1965. Several revisions have been made to Title IV of the HEA since it was originally passed, including most recently in the passage of amended provisions that are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Public Law 119-21, enacted July 4, 2025.