Smucker, Schneider Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Supporting American Students Studying Abroad

WASHINGTON—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced legislation to support American students studying abroad by ensuring their continued eligibility for federal financial aid.

Most American students who study at foreign institutions of higher education are able to access the Title IV loan program to finance their degrees. However, access to Title IV funds is currently prohibited if any part of their program of study is offered online. 

As institutions of higher education increasingly incorporate online elements to the classroom, the Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act ensures that American students will not lose access to federal student aid. 

“Students studying abroad shouldn’t risk losing federal aid just because some of their coursework is remote. I thank Rep. Schneider for joining me on this bipartisan fix, and urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation,” said Rep. Smucker.

“We need to help American students already weighed down by record-setting student debt and lift the barriers that stand in the way of accessing an international degree,” said Rep Schneider. “Students who pursue an international education gain skills that equip them to thrive in a global economy, and they deserve the same support they receive at home. Universities routinely offer a portion of their classes online in the US and abroad, but only students who study internationally are barred from receiving financial aid for such programs. This bill closes that gap.”

The International Education Council has endorsed the legislation.

“The International Education Council (IEC) applauds the introduction of The Providing Distance Education for Foreign institutions Act and commends Representatives Scheider and Smucker on the introduction of the bill.  The total online prohibition has shut the door on American students who need to finance their degree while physically attending campuses abroad. American youth should be able to choose their location and program of study, given the high-quality-for-value and unique offerings at highly reputable international schools.  This measure will continue to allow those Americans to use their federal loan funds to help obtain that experience as the delivery of education evolves,” said IEC Executive Director Robert Moran. “We are grateful to Representatives Smucker and Schneider for supporting American students and recognizing the need for this legislation.  American financial aid provides students with the ability to choose their institution. Participation by colleges and universities outside the United States in the Title IV Direct Loan program vastly expands opportunities for students who want to obtain their postsecondary education overseas. These opportunities provide students with a wealth of global awareness and diplomatic skillsets they bring home to the United States.”

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