Debt-Free College Act Returns With A Federal Match For States That Cover Full College Costs

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Debt-Free College Act of 2026 (S. 5403) last month. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the House version (H.R. 10455) to be a companion bill. The bills would create federal-state partnerships so students can attend public colleges in their home state without borrowing, and they target helping families cover unmet need.

“Student debt isn’t just about tuition—it’s books, housing, supplies, and food,” Pocan said, according to Maui Now’s report on the bill. The Senate bill has nine Democratic cosponsors, and the House bill has 18.

Schatz and Pocan first introduced the idea in 2018, as free-tuition proposals gained ground and states began offering free community college.