MERIT Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5116, the MERIT Act, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new factor to the standards used in accrediting colleges and universities: whether an institution has adopted admissions practices that avoid preferential treatment based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. The bill defines "preferential treatment" as an admissions decision where such a relationship is the determinative factor. It clarifies that institutions may still consider "demonstrated interest" if criteria are public and equally accessible, and that religious institutions may still admit students consistent with their faith-based values. The Secretary of Education would be required to report periodically on compliance efforts, including technical assistance, guidance, and monitoring.
The bill primarily affects colleges and universities subject to federal accreditation standards, their accrediting agencies, and prospective applicants, particularly those without alumni or donor connections. It also directs the Secretary of Education to study, within two years, the feasibility of working with the National Student Clearinghouse to collect institution-level data on legacy and donor-based admissions, while protecting donor confidentiality and personally identifiable information; the bill explicitly does not authorize creation of a nationwide database of such personal data.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Senator Todd Young with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need committee consideration, passage by the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5116 do?
- S. 5116, the MERIT Act, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new factor to the standards used in accrediting colleges and universities: whether an institution has adopted admissions practices that avoid preferential treatment based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. The bill defines "preferential treatment" as an admissions decision where such a relationship is the determinative factor. It clarifies that institutions may still consider "demonstrated interest" if criteria are public and equally accessible, and that religious institutions may still admit students consistent with their faith-based values. The Secretary of Education would be required to report periodically on compliance efforts, including technical assistance, guidance, and monitoring. The bill primarily affects colleges and universities subject to federal accreditation standards, their accrediting agencies, and prospective applicants, particularly those without alumni or donor connections. It also directs the Secretary of Education to study, within two years, the feasibility of working with the National Student Clearinghouse to collect institution-level data on legacy and donor-based admissions, while protecting donor confidentiality and personally identifiable information; the bill explicitly does not authorize creation of a nationwide database of such personal data. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2026, by Senator Todd Young with bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need committee consideration, passage by the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has S. 5116 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5116 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5116?
- S. 5116 was sponsored by Sen. Todd Young [R-IN] (Republican-IN), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5116?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Education
Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 13 through September 19, 2026, as “Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week”.
Data Science and Literacy Act of 2026
To direct the Secretary of Education to conduct a study on the efforts of States, local educational agencies, and public elementary and secondary schools to educate students about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.