Perkins Task Force

Since its inception, COHEAO has advocated for the preservation and improvement of the Perkins Loan Program.  The Perkins Loan Program provides low-cost loans to low income students and is administered by the school that lends the funds. The program operates as a revolving fund and has not received any federal capital contributions since 2005.

The Perkins Loan Program was extended through September 30, 2017 by H.R. 3594: The Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015. The goal of the Perkins Task Force is to advocate with institutional leadership, COHEAO members, Congressional Members and other higher education associations to ensure that the Perkins Loan Program is included in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which is expected to occur in 2016 or 2017.

Please visit the Advocacy page to learn more about the efforts underway to attain long-term stability of the program through reauthorization. If you would like to join the Perkins Task Force, please contact the Perkins Task Force Chair, Jeff (JP) Pfund.