To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a nationwide tuition-free community college program that gives federal grants to states to cover community college tuition and expand supports. Grants would fund planning, institutional capacity and wraparound services, and direct emergency aid over a five-year grant period.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tuition-free community college for adults
This bill would set up a 5‑year state grant to make community college tuition‑free. During the grant, the federal government would cover not less than 100% of costs. Eligible students would be at least 18, live in the State, and not already hold an associate degree or certificate. States would have to ensure students are not charged tuition or fees and are not forced to use Pell Grants or other aid to cover tuition, unless total aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Grants could also fund student emergency aid for non‑tuition costs and campus support services.
School counts for TANF, SNAP, housing
States would be asked to use TANF, SNAP Employment & Training, child care funds, and HUD housing programs to reduce barriers for students, where allowed by law. Studying for a recognized credential could count toward work or participation rules. This could help people keep benefits while enrolled and make it easier to complete a program.
Targeted help for community college students
State plans would have to prioritize people with job barriers, those under 200% of the poverty level, and those without a postsecondary credential. Colleges could fund “navigators” to help students find and apply for financial aid and other benefits. States would also need to expand and improve credit transfer so more students can move from a two‑year to a four‑year degree with fewer lost credits.
State planning, coordination, and dashboards
States would need an interagency committee that includes workforce, higher education, human services, housing, and student voices. Plans must include cost analyses to expand capacity, help students finish high school at community colleges, and apply AP/IB credits. States and colleges would report yearly data on student aid, retention, completion, and outcomes. The Education Department would post a public dashboard and downloadable data. The bill also defines which business and community groups States can consult in planning.
Funding and grant formula for states
Congress would be able to fund the program in fiscal year 2026 and for the next four years. The Secretary would set each State’s grant amount using factors like higher‑than‑average unemployment or poverty, the number of school districts getting special lunch assistance, and whether a State already has a tuition‑free program. The bill does not list exact dollar amounts.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
WA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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