The Higher Education Act, which has helped give millions of Americans more access to higher education, turns 60 tomorrow.
Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act — a historic and transformative piece of legislation that has helped make higher education more accessible for millions of Americans. Signed into law on November 8, 1965, the HEA established core federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study programs and federal student loans.
The law was created to ensure that everyone — regardless of background or income — had the opportunity to pursue education beyond high school, whether at a career school, trade school, community college or university.
On November 8, we celebrate 60 years of access to opportunity — and we honor the financial aid professionals whose administrative efforts and dedication through the decades have helped students turn educational dreams into reality every day.
Nov. 7, 2025