The Higher Education Act (HEA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1965 that aims to strengthen the educational resources of colleges and universities. It provides federal funding for higher education institutions and establishes programs to improve access to education for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The HEA also includes provisions for student financial aid, such as grants and loans, to help make college more affordable. Over the years, the act has been reauthorized several times, adapting to the changing needs of students and the higher education landscape, including the introduction of programs like Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans.