Earn to Learn Act
Sponsored By: Representative Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Introduced
Summary
Would create a government‑matched savings program for low‑income students. It would pair student deposits with matching funds, deliver financial capability training and success coaching, and aim to boost college enrollment and completion while cutting reliance on student loans.
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- Students and families: Participating students must deposit to trigger matches. After a $100 deposit, each additional dollar would receive an $8 match, and students keep withdrawal rights and face an 8‑year participation limit tied to enrollment.
- States, nonprofits, and colleges: Grants would go to states or nonprofits that provide a 1:1 non‑Federal match and support students through graduation. Grants may not exceed the lesser of committed non‑Federal match or $10 million per grantee and must limit management costs to 5%.
- Program design and accountability: The Secretary would provide a reporting dashboard, training platform, and coaching model. Grantees must report annually on participation, retention, completion, and borrowing, and the Secretary must evaluate effects and report to Congress.
*Would authorize $100 million per year for fiscal 2027 and each of the four succeeding years, totaling $500 million in authorizations.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More savings help for low-income students
If enacted, low‑income students selected for the program would open matched postsecondary savings accounts. Once you or your family deposits $100 in an academic year, the program would match $8 for each dollar you deposit after that initial $100. Funds you deposit and the matching funds would not count against Pell Grants or Title IV aid. To qualify you would need to be admitted or plan to attend, be low income as the eligible entity defines it, finish required finance training, and agree to save. You could withdraw your own deposits under account terms, but you would not receive matching funds if you withdraw during a school's drop‑add period and entities must explain match rules for delayed attendance or illness.
Federal grants for student savings programs
If enacted, the Department of Education would set up a competitive demonstration grant program to fund match savings accounts and coaching. The program would be authorized at $100 million for fiscal year 2027 and for each of the next four years. Grants would be awarded within nine months to States or nonprofit organizations that commit a 1:1 non‑Federal match. Each grant would be limited to the lesser of the entity's committed non‑Federal match or $10 million.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
NV • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]
AZ • R
Sponsored 8/13/2026
Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
AZ • D
Sponsored 8/13/2026
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
CA • R
Sponsored 8/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov