The GRAD Act protects college students when the federal government shuts down and stops sending financial aid money. Right now, if a government shutdown delays or stops federal student aid payments, colleges can kick students out or change their enrollment status because they're not getting paid. This bill says colleges can't do that. As long as a student was enrolled and eligible for federal aid before the shutdown happened, the college has to keep them enrolled in their classes and maintain their student status, even if the aid money temporarily stops flowing. This protects students from losing their spot in school or having to drop out through no fault of their own, just because of a political budget dispute in Washington. The rule applies to any college that accepts federal student aid, which covers most universities and colleges across the country.

GRAD Act

Figures, Shomari

Guaranteeing Retention and Aid During Shutdowns Act or the GRAD ActThis bill prohibits institutions of higher education&nbsp;that participate in federal student aid programs from terminating or otherwise altering the enrollment status of a student due to a disruption of the student’s federal student financial aid caused by a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).