NACAC Advocacy in Action

NACAC Advocacy: Advancing Equity, Access, and Student Success

Grounded in our core values of education, social responsibility, access, equity, and professionalism, NACAC champions federal policies that put students first and uphold ethical, student-centered college admission practices. Our advocacy priorities — developed by members — include expanding access to postsecondary education, strengthening support for school counselors and college advisors, and increasing funding for public education and student financial aid. As the trusted voice of the college admission counseling profession, NACAC engages policymakers through letters, coalition efforts, issue briefs, op-eds, action alerts, and direct member engagement. Our vision is clear: to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education, and that those guiding them have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

NACAC Advocacy in Action offers a centralized look at the advocacy initiatives we are undergoing nationwide on behalf of students, counselors, and the broader college admission counseling community.

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NACAC Takes Action

NACAC Endorses the CLASS Act to Promote Equity and Justice for Students

NACAC proudly endorses the Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Maxine Waters. This legislation would strengthen accountability for for-profit colleges by prohibiting institutions from receiving federal student aid if they require students to sign mandatory arbitration clauses or waive their right to bring claims in court. These clauses have long shielded predatory institutions from legal consequences while leaving students — particularly veterans, low-income students, and students of color — without meaningful recourse. The CLASS Act is a necessary step to protect students and taxpayer dollars and ensure all students have access to the legal protections they deserve.

NACAC Joins Amicus Brief Challenging Executive Branch’s Effort to Control Harvard

NACAC joined an amicus brief filed by the American Council on Education and 27 other higher education organizations supporting Harvard’s motion for summary judgment against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The brief argues that the administration’s funding freeze targeting Harvard is an unlawful attempt to bypass limits on executive power and threatens the core principle of institutional autonomy in American higher education. The brief outlines key arguments: executive overreach by the Trump administration, bypassing Congress and the First Amendment, and how these actions by the administration threaten institutional autonomy and academic freedom.  

NACAC Stands with Partners Urging Congress to Protect Pell Grants and Preserve Access

NACAC joined more than 170 organizations in urging congressional leaders to fully fund the Pell Grant program and reject harmful eligibility cuts. More than 7 million students rely on Pell to afford college, yet without new mandatory funding, the program faces a $10.3 billion shortfall by FY 2026. Cuts would widen the affordability gap, limit access, and threaten college completion. Congress must act now to preserve this vital investment in students and our economic future.

NACAC Joins 59 Organizations in Urging Robust Representation on Education Department’s Student Debt Rulemaking Panel

NACAC joined a coalition of organizations in urging the U.S. Department of Education to revise the structure of its upcoming negotiated rulemaking committee on student debt. In the letter, we emphasized the need for distinct seats representing key stakeholders, student loan borrowers, civil rights advocates, legal aid providers, and consumer protection groups, whose perspectives are essential to an equitable and effective process. Programs like Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness serve millions and must be protected from harmful policy changes. We call on the Department of Education to ensure borrower voices are prioritized, and that negotiators reflect the full diversity of those impacted. A more inclusive rulemaking process will better serve students, borrowers, and the public at large. 

NACAC Joins Coalition Partners in Opposition to House-passed Reconciliation Bill

NACAC has joined a broad coalition in urging the Senate to reject the House-passed reconciliation bill that would severely weaken critical student aid programs and make college less accessible, particularly for low-income students, students of color, and student parents. From slashing Pell Grant access to eliminating subsidized loans and weakening borrower protections, the bill undermines affordability, equity, and opportunity in higher education. We are calling on lawmakers to pursue bipartisan solutions that invest in students and strengthen our nation’s future. 

President’s FY 2026 Budget Proposal Threatens Student Access to Higher Education

The President’s FY26 budget request sends a troubling message: that the federal government is retreating from its role in advancing educational equity and opportunity. By shifting critical responsibilities to states without adequate funding, the proposal threatens to dismantle longstanding support structures for students who rely on to access and complete higher education.

Read the statement

NACAC has joined the American Council on Education and other higher education organizations in urging the Department of State to minimize disruptions to student visa processing. A broad pause on visa interviews and potential visa revocation sends the wrong message to international students and threatens our global competitiveness. We are calling on the Department of State to keep any pause as short as possible and use all available tools to reduce wait times and streamline the process. NACAC stands ready to be a partner in welcoming international students to the U.S. and our campuses.

Read the letter

 

NACAC joined 24 organizations in urging Congress to preserve funding for three federal technical assistance centers that provide critical support to students with disabilities pursuing higher education. The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT), the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD), and the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) equip students, families, educators, and institutions with the tools needed to ensure a successful transition to college and career. These centers play an essential role in advancing equity and opportunity, and we are calling on policymakers to sustain this vital support in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.

NACAC joined 53 organizations in signing a joint statement opposing recent actions by the Trump administration that threaten the longstanding partnership between the federal government and higher education. This partnership has driven innovation, economic growth, and opportunity for all Americans. Political interference that undermines campus autonomy, restricts funding, and targets students and scholars weakens us all. We are calling for a renewed commitment that respects institutional mission, academic freedom, and the critical role colleges and universities play in our democracy.

NACAC joined over 200 organizations and the Title IV-A Coalition urging Congress to fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, also known as Title IV-A, at $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2026. This bipartisan, flexible block grant allows districts to invest in safe and healthy schools, well-rounded education, and technology. The Title IV-A Coalition 2024 survey of more than 850 districts shows strong support for the program’s flexibility and wide-ranging uses, from STEM and the arts to mental health and tutoring. Title IV-A is critical to sustaining and expanding programs that close achievement gaps and meet whole-child needs. The Title IV-A Coalition calls on Congress to maintain this vital investment and ensure the funds are implemented as intended.

NACAC joined 185 organizations and the Student Borrower Protection Center in signing a coalition letter written in response to the Trump administration’s intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking process to change Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and other federal financial aid programs. NACAC strongly supports both income-driven repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness because:

  • They offer a vital safety net for borrowers.
  • They are powerful tools that help students pursue careers in public service and other mission-driven fields that may not be high-paying but are essential.
  • They give students and counselors greater clarity when deciding whether and how much to borrow.
  • They directly benefit our members, especially through PSLF.

We oppose any efforts to dismantle these programs or limit access to them.

NACAC’s vision is that the transformative power of postsecondary education is available to all who seek it. To get there, we need leaders and policymakers who recognize higher education as the public good that it is. 

The FY 2026 President’s topline budget request is devastating for students who rely on federal financial aid to pursue their higher education goals. By proposing the elimination or drastic reduction of programs like TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work-Study, SEOG, and CCAMPIS, this budget disregards the barriers faced by low-income, first-generation, parenting, and migrant students — many of whom depend on these resources not just to attend college, but to succeed once there. 

The president’s budget request sends a clear and troubling message: that supporting students from historically underserved communities is no longer a federal priority. Education is not a private luxury; it is a public good that benefits us all. Investing in students means investing in stronger communities, a resilient economy, and a more equitable society. 

Disinvestment in financial aid and student support programs does not just harm individuals — it undermines our collective future. The return on public investment in education extends far beyond the classroom.  

NACAC supports the bipartisan Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2025, as it’s an important step toward improving transparency and equity in the path to higher education. This legislation strengthens annual loan counseling to ensure students have the information they need to make informed, responsible borrowing decisions. By replacing one-time entrance counseling with annual pre-loan counseling, requiring students to manually confirm loan amounts, and offering tailored projections of post-graduation repayment, the bill empowers students to borrow only what they need and to plan for their future. “NACAC supports the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2025 as a critical step toward ensuring students receive clear, personalized, and timely information about borrowing. Strengthening loan counseling requirements will help students make informed decisions, minimize unnecessary debt, and navigate a more equitable path to higher education,” said NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez.  

NACAC strongly opposes the House Budget Reconciliation Bill that’s under consideration by the House Education and Workforce Committee. The proposal would slash need-based financial aid, make student loans more expensive, and dismantle vital protections for students — making higher education further out of reach for all but the wealthy.  

On Tuesday, April 29, the House Education and Workforce Committee will consider a budget proposal that threatens college access for tens of millions of Americans. NACAC has joined 16 organizations in urging members of the committee to reject this plan, which would slash financial aid, eliminate key protections for students, and make it harder to repay loans, ultimately putting higher education further out of reach for anyone but the wealthy. Rather, Congress should focus on bipartisan solutions that make college more affordable and accessible.

The most damaging provisions in the proposal include:

  • Cutting Pell Grant access for working students, making it harder for low-income students to cover costs and finish school.
  • Eliminating interest subsidies for low- and middle-income students, making student loans more expensive.
  • Forcing struggling borrowers into higher monthly payments, 30-year repayment plans, and eliminating hardship protections.
  • Weakening protections against fraud and low-quality programs, including safeguards for student veterans.
  • Ending Graduate PLUS loans, meaning students will have to turn to riskier private loans.

 

NACAC, alongside other members of the U.S. for Success Coalition, signed a letter to congressional leadership expressing deep concern over recent immigration actions that threaten the ability of international students and scholars to study and thrive in the United States. The letter underscores the critical role these students play in advancing national security, strengthening the economy, supporting American innovation, and enriching campus communities. The coalition urges Congress to push back against visa revocations, detentions, and bans that send a chilling message to the world. The letter calls for transparent, fair policies that reflect the nation’s longstanding commitment to global engagement and educational opportunity. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that welcome international talent and reinforce the United States’ leadership in higher education.

NACAC supports a bicameral letter urging the U.S. Department of Education to rescind its Feb. 14 Dear Colleague Letter and its corresponding FAQ published March 1. The guidance in these documents mischaracterizes federal civil rights law, infringes on state and local authority, interferes with curricular decisions, and threatens to withhold critical federal funding. It falsely portrays social-emotional learning and culturally responsive teaching as discriminatory under Title VI, despite decades of evidence and prior federal precedent supporting their effectiveness. The letter emphasizes that these practices improve academic outcomes and create inclusive, supportive learning environments. NACAC remains committed to advancing educational equity and ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.

NACAC, along with 23 other organizations, submitted a letter to Congress urging stronger student and taxpayer protections against predatory practices in higher education. The letter highlights concerns about high-cost, low-quality programs, particularly in the for-profit sector, that leave students with crippling debt and low-value degrees. The coalition emphasizes the need to fully implement the 2023 Gainful Employment Rule, ensure borrower defense protections, safeguard student veterans from deceptive recruiting, and uphold the ban on incentive-based recruitment practices. The letter warns against weakening federal oversight and calls for legislative action to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in federal financial aid programs. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote accountability, transparency, and equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education.

Representing college admission counseling professionals across the world, NACAC has joined 86 institutions and associations in supporting an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio, a case that challenges the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of noncitizen students and scholars. The brief, filed by The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, urges the court to halt these actions, which threaten academic freedom and global student mobility.  

NACAC joined more than 50 organizations in signing a letter to Congress today urging against higher education cuts that would harm students and borrowers in the budget reconciliation process. As part of a broad coalition, advocates expressed collective opposition to any measures that would reduce access to high-quality postsecondary programs, weaken protections against predatory institutions, or make student loans more expensive by eliminating income-driven repayment plans. Instead of undermining opportunity, Congress must invest in students and institutions to ensure a skilled workforce, economic growth, and financial stability for millions of Americans.

As a coalition partner of the Committee for Education Funding (CEF), NACAC joins over 110 education organizations in urging Congress to reject proposed cuts to federal education investments and student support programs in the fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation. These cuts could increase the cost of postsecondary education, undermine student health services, and add financial strain on already struggling state and local education budgets. Federal funding is vital to the nation’s economic growth and educational opportunities, and further reductions will make it harder for students to succeed. CEF advocates for preserving and strengthening education investments to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

The Committee for Education Funding (CEF), a coalition of over 110 education organizations, including NACAC, urged Secretary Linda McMahon to oppose the president’s executive order to close the Department of Education and significantly reduce its staff. CEF warns that these actions would undermine the department’s legal responsibilities, including the distribution of essential federal education funding. The letter underscores the department’s critical role in supporting states, upholding civil rights, and directing resources to vulnerable students while clarifying that it does not control curriculum or personnel decisions. CEF also raises concerns about the legality of shifting the department’s programs to other agencies without congressional approval and questions how the federal government would fulfill its education commitments without the department. CEF calls on the administration to abandon these efforts and instead collaborate with Congress to strengthen education policy and funding.

NACAC joined 32 organizations in signing Student Aid Alliance’s letter to key members of Congress advocating for robust funding for federal student aid programs in fiscal year 2026. The letter highlights the bipartisan history of support for these programs, which expands access to higher education and strengthens the workforce. It also underscores the economic and social benefits of investing in federal student aid and calls on Congress to prioritize these vital resources.

As a member of the Title IV-A Coalition, NACAC works to advocate for full funding and successful implementation of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. On behalf of the Title IV-A Coalition, we strongly condemn President Trump’s executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. This action threatens critical education programs, including the bipartisan-supported SSAE grants that provide essential resources for student well-being, well-rounded education, and technology access. The Coalition urges the administration to uphold the department’s responsibilities and ensure uninterrupted funding for schools and students.  

As of March 11, 2025, the Trump administration initiated massive reductions in force at the U.S. Department of Education. The administration has made clear that it plans to eliminate the department, an action that NACAC strenuously opposes. NACAC issued a letter to Congress and the administration on March 12 expressing NACAC’s opposition to initiatives that would dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education. NACAC also posted an action alert. Please use it to tell your members of Congress not to abandon our national commitment to education.

NACAC has joined a coalition of organizations in urging Congress to restore funding for the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study and the Beginning Postsecondary Students survey, and to address federal actions that undermine critical education data systems. The coalition’s sign-on letter raises concerns over cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences that threaten essential research, data collection, and policy evaluation efforts. These federally mandated studies provide crucial insights into college affordability, student persistence, and post-college outcomes — informing policies that promote equitable access to higher education. The letter calls on Congress to demand transparency regarding contract cancellations, ensure adherence to privacy and security standards, and protect the integrity of education data. NACAC’s support reinforces its commitment to evidence-based policymaking, safeguarding student privacy, and ensuring that students, families, and policymakers have the critical information they need to navigate and improve the postsecondary landscape. 

NACAC signed a letter urging Congress to protect students from the projected $2.7 billion funding shortfall in the Pell Grant program. Without immediate action, the Pell Grant program faces financial cuts for the first time in over a decade, which would exacerbate affordability challenges and limit access to higher education. Investing in Pell is critical to ensuring students can pursue the education and training needed for their economic mobility. NACAC remains committed to advocating for robust federal student aid and urges Congress to fully fund the Pell Grant program to support student success and access.

NACAC signed a letter urging the Department of Education to rescind the Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter and to engage with the higher education community on compliance obligations under Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and federal civil rights law. The letter has led to confusion on campuses, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which remain legally permissible when implemented in accordance with federal law. NACAC is committed to fostering inclusive educational environments and seeks to work with the department to ensure clear, legally sound guidance that supports institutional compliance and student success.

NACAC signed onto a letter that urges dialogue between the State Department and higher education community on issues ranging from national security to visa issuance. Given prior, harmful Trump administration policies to international student mobility — a NACAC policy priority — the higher education community seeks to work with the administration on understanding the full ramifications of policies that might similarly affect international students. A recent article in The Journal of College Admission explores how admission leaders can help maintain a pipeline of international students during Trump’s presidency.

At the outset of a new Congress and new presidential administration, NACAC distributed a letter to all members of Congress and the president articulating the association’s vision for strengthening postsecondary access. The letter reflects priorities developed by member committees and approved by the board over the past two decades. NACAC is eager to work with legislators interested in these priorities in 2025 and beyond.

NACAC, as a coalition partner with the Committee for Education Funding (CEF), encourages participation in the “Don’t Flunk the Future” Campaign to oppose cuts to education funding. Write directly to members of Congress to encourage them to support education funding.

About the campaign

Drastic cuts to federal education funding proposed in the House of Representatives’ FY2025 appropriations bill are a threat to our future. If enacted, this budget would harm students and potential workers in every community across the country. Ripple effects will include:

  • Students: From the youngest pre-K learners to college aspirants to adults training for in-demand jobs, the consequences will be both immediate and life-long, impacting our families, friends, and neighbors.
  • Educators: Tens of thousands of teachers, counselors, specialists, and support staff will vanish from our schools and campuses.
  • Communities: Millions of children, young people, and adults will be deprived of quality education programs that would allow them to grow into strong, productive, contributing members of our communities, companies, and country.
  • Workforce: Millions of prospective skilled workers will become economic castaways, worsening our nation’s workforce shortage and increasing the demands on our nation’s safety net.
  • National Strength: Cuts of this magnitude will undermine our economic future and threaten our global competitiveness.

The federal government should be increasing public education funding, not cutting it. Education has been underfunded for years, and usually accounts for less than 2% of the federal budget. Adjusting for inflation, FY2024 Department of Education funding is $16.6 billion below the 2011 level.

The House bill will make it harder for Americans from all walks of life to succeed. From hard-working young adults and teachers to more than 25 million students in virtually all the nation’s public schools districts, the consequences will be dire.

How You Can Take Action

NACAC is continuously updating this page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, NACAC encourages you to advocate on these urgent issues:

Tell Congress: Resume Visa Appointments Now

As many as half of the incoming international students to the U.S. are still waiting to schedule visa appointments due to the U.S. Department of State’s pause on new F, J, and M visa interviews, announced more than two weeks ago. This suspension threatens students’ ability to arrive in time for the fall semester, putting institutions and communities at risk. International students and scholars drive innovation, strengthen our economy, and build critical global partnerships. Delayed or denied entry means missed opportunities for all of us.

Join NACAC, NAFSA, and the U.S. for Success Coalition in calling on Congress to press the State Department to act. When you reach out, share what is at stake at your institution and in your community.

Protect Students: Reconciliation Bill Moving Quickly in Congress
With Congress moving quickly to finalize its sweeping budget reconciliation bill, June is our most critical window to act. EdTrust has released an updated resource that breaks down what is at stake for students and provides concrete tools to help advocates take action. From sample outreach to a clear breakdown of the proposed cuts, this tool equips members with what they need to advocate. NACAC is urging members to use this resource to help defend access, equity, and opportunity in education.

Act Now to Save Pell Grants
Congress is considering legislation that would make the largest cut to the Pell Grant in its 50-year history, slashing awards or eliminating eligibility for over half of all recipients. This harmful proposal would put college out of reach for millions of low-income students and undermine our nation’s economic future. Tell Congress: Do not cut Pell. Instead, protect and strengthen this foundational investment in students and our workforce. Use NCAN’s toolkit to elevate your voice and advocate for students across the country.

Reject the House Reconciliation Bill – Protect Students and Families
The bill contains deep cuts for Pell Grants, cut school-based services, diverts critical funding away from public schools, drastically cuts funding for Medicaid and SNAP, and eliminates protections that help families afford and repay college.

Tell Congress: Vote ‘No’ on Massive Cuts to Financial Aid
Congress is considering a plan that would make college less affordable and less accessible for millions by slashing Pell Grants, ending key borrower protections, and making student loans harder to repay. This would raise costs for low- and middle-income students, push borrowers into decades of debt, and block access to higher education. Tell your members of Congress to vote “no” on these devastating cuts.

Tell Congress to Save Student Aid Programs
The reconciliation bill going through Congress is a sweeping tax and spending package. If passed, it would slash funding for Pell Grants, cut school-based services, divert public funds to private school vouchers, reduce food assistance, and eliminate protections that help families afford and repay college. Urge your Senators to reject the reconciliation bill.

Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
NACAC urges members to sign the petition from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, calling on Congress to make it a national priority to welcome international students and scholars to study and succeed in the U.S.

Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
Tell your members of Congress to not dismantle the Department of Education.

Protect Disabled Students, Keep the Department of Education Open
The effort to dismantle the Department of Education threatens the enforcement of protections for disabled students. The American Association of People with Disabilities provides an opportunity for you to speak out in support of safeguarding the department’s role in ensuring educational equity.

Join the Committee for Education Funding’s ‘Don’t Flunk the Future’ Campaign
NACAC, as a coalition partner with the Committee for Education Funding, encourages participation in the “Don’t Flunk the Future” campaign to oppose cuts to education funding. Write to members of Congress to encourage them to support education funding.

NACAC Advocacy
and Policy Updates

Monthly Advocacy Checklist

  • Happy New Year! Check your Secretary of State’s website for important voting dates, including registration deadlines, and mark your calendar. Register to vote if you haven’t already done so, or double-check to ensure you are registered. Learn more about the student voting requirements in your state. 
  • Contact your affiliate government relations chair(s) to inquire about advocacy engagement opportunities planned in your state in the coming year. 
  • Meet with your members of Congress in their district office during Presidents’ Day district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Because most state legislatures are in full swing, many affiliates hold state-level advocacy days this time of year. Attend yours, if available. If your state does not host an advocacy day, consider setting up a meeting with your state elected officials to share more information about NACAC’s policy priorities.  
  • Check the Education Commission of the States’ State Education Policy Tracker for any relevant legislation in your state and contact your representative(s) to share your support or concerns. 
  • It’s the beginning of appropriations season on Capitol Hill. Call your members of Congress and encourage them to support increased education funding. 
  • Meet with your members of Congress in their district offices during the spring district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Happy summer!  Call your members of Congress and urge them to support or oppose these bills. 
  • Consider inviting elected officials—local and federal—to your school or campus for a visit in the new school year. Invite them to attend a college application night, host a financial aid night, or simply visit campus to speak to students. 
  • Most states’ legislative sessions have adjourned. Reach out to your state elected officials and offer to meet with them to discuss potential legislation for the next session. 
  • Visit your members of Congress while they are home for August district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Happy new school year! Encourage any students you work with who are eligible to vote to register if they have not already done so. 
  • Congress must pass all appropriations bills by Sept. 30 to fund the next fiscal year. Call your members of Congress and remind them to prioritize increased education funding. 
  • Consider attending the Government Relations Committee meeting and/or adding at least one advocacy-related session at the annual NACAC National Conference.  
  • VOTE! 
  • Before the semester ends, reach out to one of your NACAC or affiliate colleagues and encourage them to get engaged with advocacy opportunities in the new year. Show them this checklist to help illustrate how easy it is to get involved!  
  • Register for the NACAC’s Annual Advocacy Meeting. 
  • Get a jump on the new Congressional and state legislative sessions! Reach out to your newly elected or re-elected representatives and encourage them to support NACAC’s legislative priorities in the upcoming session. 

Interested in getting involved at the state level? Find your affiliate’s Government relations committee.