As the Economy Demands More Education, Bipartisan Fast Track To and Through College Act Offers Students a Head Start and Reduces College Costs

All4Ed applauds Senators Hassan and Young for championing student‑centered college pathways

Date: Thursday, December 7, 2025 

Contact: Enrique A. Chaurand 

Email: echaurand@all4ed.org 

Washington, D.C. – The American economy is changing rapidly and the bar for entry is rising. By 2031, more than 70% of all jobs and 85% of good jobs will require postsecondary education.  Yet too few students are enrolling in and completing college, even as the nation faces widening income and wealth gaps tied directly to educational opportunity. 

All4Ed applauds the introduction of the bipartisan Fast Track To and Through College Act, led by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN), which provides a powerful solution: redesigning the senior year of high school to help students earn college credit earlier, finish college faster, and reduce the overall cost of a degree. 

“Senior year shouldn’t be a dead end — it should be a launchpad,” said Amy Loyd, President and CEO of All4Ed. “This bipartisan bill recognizes that students need clear, supported pathways from high school to and through college. The Fast Track To and Through College Act gives young people the chance to earn a full year of college credit while still in high school or graduate early with the advising and financial support they need to succeed. We are grateful to Senators Hassan and Young for championing a smart, student-centered policy that expands opportunity, lowers college costs, and strengthens our workforce and economy.” 

Rethinking Senior Year: Two Fast Track Options 

The Fast Track To and Through College Act tackles “senioritis” head-on by offering students two transformative pathways: 

1. A full college-credit senior year: 
   Under Fast Track, students would finish a full freshman-year course load while still in high school for free, enabling them to graduate with one year of college credit already completed. Students from low-income families would be able to use Pell Grants to pay for those credits. As a result, students can earn a 2-year degree in one year or a 4-year degree in three years at significantly lower cost.  

2. Early high school graduation with support. 
   Students who are ready academically may choose to graduate after 11th grade. Under Fast Track, they would receive individualized advising and a scholarship to support their transition into and through their first year of college. 

For additional information, read our summary.  

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