Federal Policy Agenda

CGS’s 2026–2027 Federal Policy Agenda calls on Congress and the Administration to strengthen graduate education as a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness, workforce development, and research innovation, while expanding access and affordability for students across all communities. The agenda outlines federal policy priorities across funding, student support, research, and international education to ensure the United States remains a global leader in science, technology, and research.

Key Elements of the CGS Federal Policy Agenda Include:

• Ensuring access and avenues to graduate education by increasing federal investments and promoting policies that support students from urban and rural communities, first-generation students, veterans, and those from underserved populations.
• Addressing the cost of graduate education through transparent information on tuition, aid, and outcomes, streamlined federal loan policies, and program models that reduce time to degree and align with workforce needs.
• Advancing American innovation and research by maintaining strong federal support for competitively awarded, peer-reviewed research and graduate training through agencies such as NSF, NIH, and DOE.
• Strengthening career readiness for every graduate by supporting federal investments that expand internships, cross-sector partnerships, and professional development opportunities beyond traditional academic careers.
• Promoting U.S. competitiveness through international education and research by supporting predictable visa policies and employment pathways that allow U.S. institutions to attract and retain top global talent.