H.R. 10404: Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act
Introduction:
On January 18, 2025, Congress introduced H.R. 10404, titled “Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act.” This bill aims to facilitate distance education opportunities for foreign institutions in the United States.
Background:
Distance education has become increasingly important as technology has advanced. Foreign institutions often lack the resources to establish physical campuses in the United States, and distance education can provide access to high-quality education for students who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Provisions of the Bill:
H.R. 10404 proposes several provisions to support distance education for foreign institutions:
- Authorization for Distance Education: Foreign institutions would be authorized to offer distance education programs to students in the United States.
- Exemption from Title IV Accreditation: Foreign institutions would be exempt from the accreditation requirements of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which applies to institutions that participate in federal financial aid programs.
- Student Eligibility: To be eligible for a distance education program offered by a foreign institution, students would need to have completed secondary school or have an equivalent level of education.
- Consumer Protections: The bill includes consumer protections, such as requiring foreign institutions to provide information about their programs, faculty, and student services. The institutions would also be subject to oversight by the Department of Education.
- Reporting Requirements: Foreign institutions would be required to report to the Department of Education on their distance education activities, including the number of students enrolled and the programs offered.
Support and Opposition:
The bill has received support from educational institutions and organizations that promote access to global education. Some higher education associations, however, have expressed concerns about the impact on U.S. institutions and the potential for fraud and abuse.
Next Steps:
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor and is currently under consideration. It is unclear when the bill will come up for a vote.
Conclusion:
H.R. 10404 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to expand access to higher education by allowing foreign institutions to offer distance education programs in the United States. While the bill faces some opposition, it has the potential to benefit students and bridge educational gaps across borders.
H.R. 10404 (IH) – Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act
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