Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act
Summary
The "Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow foreign institutions to offer distance education programs and remain eligible for Title IV funding. The bill stipulates that no more than 12.5% of the program can be distance education, the institution must be evaluated for distance education capabilities, and students must be physically present in the country where the institution is located during instruction. The changes would take effect after enactment, applying to semesters beginning at least 3 months after the enactment date.
Expected Effects
This act will broaden access to US federal student aid for students attending foreign institutions with limited distance education components. It sets specific criteria for eligibility related to the amount of distance education allowed and the location of students. It also requires oversight of the foreign institutions' ability to deliver distance education.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to foreign educational programs for US students.
- Potential for enhanced educational opportunities and global perspectives.
- May encourage innovation in distance education delivery.
- Could lead to greater collaboration between US and foreign institutions.
- Provides a framework for oversight of distance education programs offered by foreign institutions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or fraud related to student aid distribution.
- Risk of inadequate oversight of foreign institutions.
- May disadvantage domestic institutions that offer fully online programs.
- Limited impact due to the 12.5% distance education cap.
- Enforcement challenges related to student location during instruction.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote educational opportunities for US citizens. Specifically, the preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare." However, the Constitution does not explicitly address education, leaving it primarily to state and local control. Therefore, the federal government's role in regulating foreign institutions offering distance education requires careful consideration to avoid overreach.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).