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S. 5573

BillFederalSenateIn Committee
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that educational programs classified as Theology and Religious Vocations or Philosophy and Religious Studies at educational institutions that qualify for the religious exemption under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are not subject to ineligibility for title IV assistance based on low earning outcomes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 29, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced
September 29, 2026
Cosponsors (1)
0D 1R
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Summary

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This bill would exempt theology, religious vocations, and philosophy and religious studies programs at religiously affiliated colleges and universities from federal requirements that can make schools ineligible for federal student aid if their graduates have low earnings. Currently, the Higher Education Act includes provisions that can cut off federal funding for educational programs if graduates don't earn enough money after graduation, but this bill would carve out an exception for religious and philosophical studies programs at institutions that already qualify for religious exemptions under existing education law. The legislation would apply specifically to schools that are recognized as religious institutions under federal regulations. By preventing these programs from being penalized based on graduate earnings outcomes, the bill aims to protect religious education from being evaluated solely on financial success metrics.

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