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The Higher Education Act

The Higher Education Act (HEA), enacted in 1965, is a federal law that supports access to college and university education. It provides financial aid programs like grants and loans to help students afford higher education. The law also sets standards for accreditation, data collection, and institutional accountability, aiming to ensure quality and transparency. Additionally, it promotes efforts to improve college affordability, completion rates, and equal opportunity for all students. By shaping federal education policies, the HEA plays a crucial role in making higher education more accessible and equitable in the United States.