Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)
If enacted, AB86 would significantly impact the financial aid landscape in Wisconsin, ensuring that students receiving external scholarships are not penalized by reductions in institutional aid. This legislation is particularly relevant as it aligns with national trends aiming to reduce financial barriers for students in higher education. However, the bill allows institutions to reduce a student’s institutional aid if the total gift aid exceeds the student's financial need or if the institution has approval from the scholarship granter, indicating a balance between supporting students while adhering to budget constraints.
Assembly Bill 86 aims to establish restrictions on permissible reductions in financial aid provided by higher education institutions in Wisconsin. The bill defines 'gift aid' as any financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, including grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers. Notably, it seeks to protect students from having their offered gift aid decreased solely because they receive external funding through 'last-dollar scholarships' from Wisconsin-based entities, which are intended to cover unmet financial needs. Such legislative changes would apply to public and private higher education institutions alike.
Discussions around AB86 have likely highlighted concerns about the potential financial implications for institutions, especially if a large number of students begin receiving last-dollar scholarships. Institutions may argue that any requirement to maintain the level of internal aid could strain budgets and lead to difficult financial decisions. Critics may also raise concerns about the bill's feasibility in practice and the burden of compliance it places on institutions managing complex financial aid systems.