The Council of Graduate Schools' 2021-2022 Federal Policy Agenda outlines CGS's federal policy principles and priorities impacting graduate education. CGS is committed to working with the 117th Congress and the Biden Administration in a bipartisan manner to advance policies that improve access to graduate education, promote the United States as a global leader, and create a more equitable society for all.

Strengthen Federal Student Loans and Financial Aid

Strengthen federal financial aid programs that allow individuals to access and complete graduate degrees in order to promote a competitive U.S. workforce.

• Policy Brief: Maximizing Pell Grants to Support Graduate Students
• Policy Brief: How Graduate Students Finance Their Education
• Policy Brief: Federal Financial Support for U.S. Graduate Students During COVID-19
• Policy Brief: Accessing Grad Ed: Grad PLUS Direct Loan Program

Prime Tax Policies to Support Graduate Education

Promote tax policies that encourage the pursuit of graduate education by providing incentives that increase access and affordability. 

Promote the U.S. through International Graduate Education and Research

Advocate for immigration and visa policies that encourage the exchange of both American and international students.

• Policy Brief: International Graduate Students: Innovators, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs
• Policy Brief: Optional Practical Training
• Policy Brief: DACA and Graduate Education

Advance Research and Innovation

Invest in science and research that is critical to the nation’s ability to remain globally competitive, as well as the benchmark in terms of timely breakthroughs and innovation.

Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Support federal policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our graduate programs and the workforce.

Support Graduate Student Success and Wellbeing

Support investments and activities that allow graduate students to fully thrive in their education and research.