Sponsors (3)
The bill would make college admissions more equitable and boost public confidence by banning legacy/donor preferences, but it could reduce philanthropic revenue for institutions and impose compliance and legal costs.
Prospective students — Admissions will be fairer and more merit-based because colleges could no longer give preference based on donor or alumni (legacy) relationships, improving access for low-income and less-connected applicants.
The public — Increased public trust in higher education by reducing the appearance of pay-to-play admissions and nepotism.
Colleges and universities — Potential reduction in philanthropic giving if donors perceive they no longer have influence over admissions, which could shrink funding for programs and financial aid.
Institutions and government — Increased implementation, compliance, and monitoring costs for colleges and for the Department of Education or state regulators to enforce the new admissions rules.
Colleges and affected parties — Risk of legal challenges from institutions or individuals who argue prior practices or grandfathered arrangements were lawful, creating litigation exposure and uncertainty.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced March 6, 2025 by Jeff Merkley · Last progress March 6, 2025
Prohibits colleges and universities covered by the Higher Education Act from giving any preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant’s relationship to donors or alumni. The rule is added to the list of prohibited practices under the HEA and takes effect on the first day of the second award year (as defined in federal law) that begins after the act is enacted.