by Tim Benson, Jane S. Shaw

A massive revision of the federal law governing higher education has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 590-page Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act is designed to hold students and institutions more accountable for how they use federal loans and financial aid and to help students complete the education they choose.

The aims of the PROSPER Act are to innovate higher education by promoting access and completion, at the same time simplifying and improving student aid and ensuring strong accountability alongside a reduced role for the federal government.