The MERIT Act amends the Higher Education Act to assess institutions' admissions practices and data collection.

The MERIT Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the standards for accrediting institutions of higher education to assess their adoption of admissions practices that avoid preferential treatment based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. It also authorizes a feasibility study on data collection. The Secretary of Education must explore working with the National Student Clearinghouse to collect and analyze data on admissions decisions based on alumni or donor relationships.

The MERIT Act amends the Higher Education Act to assess institutions' admissions practices and data collection.

The MERIT Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the standards for accrediting institutions of higher education to assess their adoption of admissions practices that avoid preferential treatment based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. It also authorizes a feasibility study on data collection. The Secretary of Education must explore working with the National Student Clearinghouse to collect and analyze data on admissions decisions based on alumni or donor relationships.