MERIT Act Merit-based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency...
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the standards for accreditation of an institution of higher education to assess the institution's adoption of admissions practices that refrain from preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant's relationship to alumni of, or donors to, the institution, to authorize a feasibility study on data collection, and for other purposes.
This bill aims to change the Higher Education Act of 1965 by requiring accreditation agencies to evaluate colleges and universities on their admissions practices. Specifically, it wants to ensure these institutions do not give special treatment to applicants based on their connections to alumni or donors. The bill also seeks to conduct a study to understand how to better collect data on these practices.
If passed, this bill would affect all accredited higher education institutions, potentially changing how they admit students. Students who are concerned about fairness in admissions could benefit from this change, as it could level the playing field.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. No further actions have been taken yet. It has bipartisan support, with sponsors from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
