GRAD Act

The GRAD Act (Growing Reputable Academic Departments Act) would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand federal funding opportunities for graduate-level STEM programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). The bill would modify eligibility requirements to include additional institutions that offer qualified master's degree programs, making them eligible for federal financial support that was previously unavailable to them.

The bill addresses longstanding funding disparities in higher education. HBCUs have historically received less funding than other institutions despite their significant contributions to American education and the economy. The bill's supporters note that 25 percent of Black graduates and 46 percent of Black female graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs, underscoring the importance of these institutions in preparing students for science and technology careers.

The bill was introduced in the House on February 4, 2026, and is currently under consideration by the Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, it would provide more equitable access to federal graduate education funding for these institutions, potentially enabling them to expand and strengthen their graduate STEM programs.