What's New Apply to Succeed: Ensuring Community College Students Benefit from Need-Based Aid

An independent committee created by Congress to advise on student aid policy

The Committee serves as an independent source of advice and counsel to Congress and the Secretary of Education on student financial aid policy. It was established by the Congress of the United States with the enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986 and began operation in 1988.
The purpose of the Advisory Committee as originally defined by Congress in statute is to: 

• Provide extensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional programs of postsecondary student assistance; 
• Provide technical expertise with regard to systems of need analysis and application forms;and
• Make recommendations that will result in the maintenance of access to postsecondary education for low- and middle income students. 

For more information about the Committee, please visit About ACSFA.

Contact the Committee: ACSFA@ed.gov
Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance