* Increased Access and Affordability: The act established federal student grants and loan programs (like Pell Grants), making college more accessible to students from lower-income families who previously couldn't afford it. This dramatically expanded the pool of students attending college.
* Funding for Institutions: It provided significant funding directly to colleges and universities, particularly for programs focused on improving teaching quality, expanding research capabilities, and building facilities. This fueled expansion of higher education institutions.
* Strengthening of Academic Programs: The act supported the development of specific academic programs, particularly in areas deemed vital to national needs like science, technology, and teacher education.
* Focus on Student Support Services: It funded the creation of student support services aimed at helping students succeed in college, including counseling, academic advising, and tutoring. This addressed the challenges many students, particularly first-generation college students, faced navigating higher education.
* Expansion of Community Colleges: The act supported the growth of community colleges, providing affordable access to higher education for a wider range of students and promoting vocational training.
* Title IX: While not solely a part of the Higher Education Act, Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs, was included within this legislation, significantly impacting women's access to and participation in post-secondary education.
In short, the Higher Education Act of 1965 fundamentally altered the landscape of post-secondary education in the US by making it more accessible, affordable, and supportive for a much broader range of students, thereby contributing to a significant increase in college enrollment and graduation rates. It remains a cornerstone of federal policy supporting higher education to this day, though its funding and programs have evolved over time.