Fair College Admissions for Students Act
Rep. Kim and Rep. Lee Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Legacy and Donor Preferences in College Admissions
This bill was recently introduced and is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and is considered active. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill has support from both parties and addresses a popular issue, but it faces a tough path because many wealthy universities rely on legacy donations.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Students applying to selective colleges would benefit from a more level playing field, where admissions decisions are based on their own qualifications rather than whether their parents attended the school or donated money. This change would most directly help first-generation college students and applicants from lower-income families who currently compete against legacy and donor-connected applicants at many elite and selective institutions.
Programs
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Senate Bill Seeks to End Legacy Admissions
The “Fair College Admissions for Students Act,” bipartisan legislation introduced March 6, 2025, by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and John Kennedy (R-La.), calls for a ban on legacy preferences at public and private colleges nationwide by amending the Higher Education Act of 1965.
First Out of the Gate
Following the Supreme Court's decision to end race-conscious admissions, Wesleyan University ended legacy preferences. The move comes amid a renewed push for the Fair College Admissions for Students Act, which would ban the practice at all schools receiving federal aid.
Congressional bill proposes banning legacy admissions
The Fair College Admissions for Students Act was introduced as a proposed amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill would prevent institutions that participate in federal student aid programs from awarding admission preference to students with pre-existing connections.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fair College Admissions for Students Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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