HBCU Policy Brief & Strategic Response Support
Helping HBCUs Prepare, Adapt, and Respond with Institutional Clarity
Federal Policy Is Shifting. HBCUs Must Be Ready.
Policy Comms, a strategic planning and communications firm, is monitoring significant developments in federal policy affecting student aid, loan repayment, and public benefits. Recent testimony before the U.S. Senate HELP Committee—delivered on behalf of all 101 HBCUs—has helped soften some of the most harmful provisions in the House reconciliation bill.
The Senate version of the bill is more favorable, but the process is not complete. The legislation remains in reconciliation, and the final mark-up could introduce new changes. Graduate and professional students—especially those with high debt, Parent PLUS loans, or clinical residencies—remain insufficiently addressed in current drafts.
This moment presents both opportunity and risk. Institutions that act now will be better positioned to support students, protect resources, and navigate what’s next.
What’s Ahead
Final reconciliation language is still being negotiated. Key provisions may shift in the weeks ahead.
TRIO, Title III, and GEAR-UP were not included in the reconciliation bill and remain under threat in FY2026 budget negotiations.
Loan repayment changes (including the RAP plan) will take effect for new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026.
Federal agency rules governing SNAP and Medicaid access for students are expected to tighten in 2025–26 through administrative action.
Institutions should prepare now, while remaining alert for the final policy language.
What Policy Comms Offers
Policy Comms provides actionable, nonpartisan strategy and communications support tailored to HBCUs navigating evolving federal policy conditions.
Our support includes:
Institution-Level Policy Briefings
Custom briefings that reflect your institution’s unique student demographics, funding streams, and program mix—ensuring relevance to your operational context.
Student-Facing Communications
Custom FAQs, advising scripts, and email templates for Pell, SNAP/Medicaid re-certification, and upcoming repayment transitions.
Risk Exposure Analysis
Institution-specific summaries that identify how TRIO cuts, RAP repayment changes, and benefits eligibility shifts affect your campus populations.
Institutional Strategy Coaching
Support for forming internal teams to plan, adapt, and build capacity in the face of uncertainty.
Community Resource Mapping
Identification of nonpartisan partners (food banks, health clinics, legal aid) to help offset student support losses and maintain continuity of care.
Stay Ready. Stay Informed.
PolicyComms helps HBCUs turn federal uncertainty into informed campus strategy.
To request a campus briefing or schedule a strategy session, contact:
aphinds@policycomms.com