WINGS Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
What this bill does
The WINGS Act of 2026 would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to change how federal financial aid officials calculate a student's "cost of attendance" for students enrolled in qualifying aviation-related degree programs. Institutions would be permitted to include reasonable licensure, certification, and aviation training costs—such as flight simulator or aircraft instructional hours, lab fees, training materials, and exam or practical-test fees—when determining that cost. Qualifying programs are defined by specific instructional classification codes tied to aviation fields, or programs the Secretary of Education identifies as preparing students for aviation careers, and must lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree. The bill also updates a related provision defining "professional student" status to reference professional degrees and part 141 flight training programs under federal aviation regulations.
This bill primarily affects college and university students pursuing aviation degrees, as well as the financial aid offices at institutions offering such programs. By expanding what counts toward cost of attendance, students in these programs could become eligible for higher amounts of federal student aid to cover aviation-specific training expenses, which are often significant.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 23, 2026, with bipartisan sponsorship, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, the changes would take effect July 1, 2027, applying to the 2027–2028 award year and beyond. The bill has not yet received a committee vote or floor action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
23 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9896 do?
- The WINGS Act of 2026 would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to change how federal financial aid officials calculate a student's "cost of attendance" for students enrolled in qualifying aviation-related degree programs. Institutions would be permitted to include reasonable licensure, certification, and aviation training costs—such as flight simulator or aircraft instructional hours, lab fees, training materials, and exam or practical-test fees—when determining that cost. Qualifying programs are defined by specific instructional classification codes tied to aviation fields, or programs the Secretary of Education identifies as preparing students for aviation careers, and must lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree. The bill also updates a related provision defining "professional student" status to reference professional degrees and part 141 flight training programs under federal aviation regulations. This bill primarily affects college and university students pursuing aviation degrees, as well as the financial aid offices at institutions offering such programs. By expanding what counts toward cost of attendance, students in these programs could become eligible for higher amounts of federal student aid to cover aviation-specific training expenses, which are often significant. The bill was introduced in the House on July 23, 2026, with bipartisan sponsorship, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. If enacted, the changes would take effect July 1, 2027, applying to the 2027–2028 award year and beyond. The bill has not yet received a committee vote or floor action.
- Has H.R. 9896 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9896. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9896?
- H.R. 9896 was sponsored by Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3] (D-OH), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9896?
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (23 Jul 2026).
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