America’s College Promise Act of 2026

Makes community college tuition-free for in-state students in states that join, for up to six semesters, with federal money covering most of the cost.

More about this bill

You could go to community college for free if your state takes part. Tuition and fees would drop to $0 for in-state students. You would need to attend at least half-time. The free tuition would last up to 6 semesters. Your federal student aid could not be spent on that tuition. That leaves your aid for other costs, like books or rent. U.S. citizens would have to file the federal aid form (FAFSA). No student could be turned away because of immigration status. The federal government would pay most of the cost. Its payment per student would be based on average community college tuition nationwide. In the 2027-2028 school year, it would cover 100% of that amount. Its share would then drop by 5 points a year, down to 80% by 2031-2032. States would pay the rest, up to 20%. States would also have to keep their own college spending at recent levels. When unemployment runs high, states could get relief, with the federal share rising as high as 100%. Money for this part would flow every year without a yearly vote or a dollar cap. States that join would have to match high school graduation rules to college entry rules. They would also have to let associate degrees count as the first two years at their public universities. Tribal colleges could take part on their own. For them, the federal government would pay the full cost. A new $1 billion-a-year fund would help schools in these states raise graduation and transfer rates. States would add their own money, starting at 25% of the grant and rising to 100% by year nine. Their plans would be posted online. A separate grant would waive or cut tuition for low-income students at some four-year colleges. These include historically Black colleges, tribal colleges, and Hispanic-serving colleges. It would cover a student's first 60 credits. Its funding would grow from about $98 million in 2027 to about $2.5 billion a year by 2036. The bill was introduced in the House on October 1, 2026. It was sent to the Committee on Education and Workforce.