US SB880

Prohibits colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs from giving preferential treatment in admissions to applicants based on their relationship to institutional donors or alumni (legacy admissions)

Amends Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add this requirement as a condition for institutional participation in federal student assistance programs

Takes effect on the first day of the second award year following enactment, providing institutions time to adjust admissions practices

Introduced March 6, 2025 by Senators Merkley, Kennedy, and Padilla with bipartisan support; referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions