Congress moves to ban legacy admissions at federally-funded colleges
S. 880 — Fair College Admissions for Students Act · Filed by Jeff Merkley (D-OR) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 6, 2025 · Hearing held
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What it does
This bill prohibits colleges and universities that receive federal student aid from giving admissions preference to applicants who are children of alumni (legacy admissions) or who are related to donors. The ban applies to all institutions participating in federal student assistance programs and takes effect in the second academic year after the law is enacted.
Why we flagged it
The bill directly addresses fairness in college admissions by eliminating a mechanism that has historically advantaged wealthy and connected applicants, making it a straightforward equity-focused regulatory amendment to federal higher education law.
What the text implies
- May increase diversity at selective institutions by removing a barrier that disproportionately benefited white and wealthy applicants, though effect depends on whether institutions adopt other compensatory preferences.
- Could reduce fundraising from alumni and donors who view legacy preference as a return on their giving, potentially affecting institutional endowments and capital campaigns.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who it affects
The bill removes an admissions advantage that has historically benefited wealthy and connected applicants, making college admissions more merit-based and equitable for students without family wealth or institutional connections. This expands opportunity for lower-income and first-generation students competing for admission to federally-funded institutions.