The Higher Education Act Is Unfair To Students. The Higher Education Act passed by congress in 1998 has affected college students across the United States. Students are being denied federally funded financial aid and grants for being convicted of various drug-related offenses. This new law prevents anyone convicted of a drug-related offense from receiving federal financial aid and grants. This law will affect students of low to moderate incomes and minorities. Federal Financial Aid and grants are need-based programs. Denying this aid to students convicted of a drug charge