ACE Calls for Policy Focus on Higher Education in Presidential Campaigns

​​In an open letter addressed to both presidential candidates, ACE has outlined a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at leveraging U.S. colleges and universities to address the nation's most pressing challenges. The memo, signed by ACE President Ted Mitchell, underscores the critical role higher education plays in building America and shaping the future of the country, and calls for targeted federal action to support the sector.​

"​As you navigate these final months of your campaign to become the next President of the United States of America," Mitchell writes, "we urge you to review the proposals included in the memorandum, and if elected, pledge to work with your administration to advance the kinds of growth and opportunity for all Americans that only our colleges and universities can deliver."

Key recommendations:

1. Making college affordable: ACE advocates for significant increases in federal financial aid, including raising the maximum Pell Grant award to $13,000. The Pell increase, which ACE and the higher education community have long advocated, would alleviate the financial burden on students and families, ensuring broader access to higher education.
2. Supporting students: ACE highlights the need for enhanced support for active duty and veteran learners, increased funding for mental health services, and improvements in food security for students. Recommendations include a proposed $13.8 billion in federal funding over ten years to address mental health issues on campuses and simplifying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility requirements to better serve food-insecure students.
3. Advancing research: Emphasizing the role of research in national progress, ACE calls for sustained funding for federal research agencies and support for Minority Serving Institutions. The council also advocates for continued focus on research security and sustainability initiatives to address climate change and develop a skilled workforce.
4. Campus safety and free speech: ACE urges that policies related to campus safety and free speech uphold academic freedom while ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments. The council stresses the importance of maintaining clarity in Title IX regulations to protect students from discrimination and harassment.
5. Higher education tax policy: Recommendations include repealing the taxability of scholarship and grant aid, modernizing education assistance benefits, and reforming the endowment excise tax to better support institutions' missions and financial aid efforts.
6. Support for international students: ACE calls for improvements in visa processing to attract and retain global talent, which enriches American campuses and contributes to the nation's economic growth and innovation.

The memorandum reflects ACE's belief that a strong investment in higher education is essential for addressing economic, cultural, and security challenges. By focusing on these recommendations, the next administration can build upon the nation's legacy of educational excellence and ensure that higher education continues to be a cornerstone of national prosperity.

ACE's detailed policy suggestions serve as a roadmap for the candidates, highlighting how strategic support for colleges and universities can drive significant advancements across various sectors of society. The council looks forward to collaborating with the future administration to implement these recommendations.