Ed Dept approves California's solution for federal financial aid lapse

The move returns aid eligibility to 80,000 state residents enrolled in out-of-state nonprofit and public online colleges, with the decision backdated to May 26.

By Hallie Busta • Updated Aug. 5, 2019

Report: Limited data on short-term programs vying for Pell dollars

As momentum grows in favor of federal funding for shorter programs, challenges persist in vetting their number, nature and student outcomes. 

By Hallie Busta • July 26, 2019

Can colleges and prisons support more Second Chance Pell?

As momentum to formally expand the program grows, college officials and corrections officers discuss barriers to implementation.

By Wayne D'Orio • July 25, 2019

Colleges find workaround for international students affected by visa delays

Several institutions are using a work authorization program that doesn't need federal approval to help international students get jobs and internships.

By Shailaja Neelakantan • July 25, 2019

Are free college programs hurting four-year schools?

Data from two of the earliest programs suggests the effect is minimal, but universities could benefit from recalibrating their support and transfer services.

By Wayne D'Orio • July 24, 2019

Report highlights impact of student loans on black borrowers

Black students take on more debt at higher rates, which a new report suggests can be alleviated through key policy changes around oversight.

By Shailaja Neelakantan • July 24, 2019

U of Alaska surveys options after declaring financial exigency

The board of regents is considering whether to proportionally distribute cuts or to merge the system's three universities to reduce overhead.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 23, 2019

Report alleges Ed Dept helped prop up failing Dream Center

Lawmakers say the agency was changing its accreditation policy to benefit the struggling operator, but the agency says it was already working on the change.

By Hallie Busta • July 23, 2019

Elizabeth Warren proposes bill to cut $640B in student debt

The legislation would also give private borrowers a federal loan refinancing option, making them eligible for forgiveness under the plan.

By Hallie Busta • July 23, 2019

Colleges fear losing international students over visa delays

Dozens of institutions have urged the government to expedite the approval process in order to stem the loss of foreign students. 

By Shailaja Neelakantan • July 19, 2019

For-profit colleges get outsized share of GI Bill benefits

A new government report examining the sector's impact on veterans comes amid growing pressure to limit how for-profits use those funds.

By Hallie Busta • July 18, 2019

Ed Dept, colleges disagree on clarity of foreign gift reporting rules

The American Council on Education suggested the agency undergo a formal rulemaking process on how colleges disclose funding from other countries.

By Shailaja Neelakantan • July 17, 2019

Bipartisan bill would set framework for income-share agreements

Use of the financing model is growing, though critics are concerned it isn't materially different from loans and could heighten students' financial burden.

By Hallie Busta • July 17, 2019

Should community colleges offer bachelor's degrees?

Early research on the impact of two-year colleges offering four-year degrees is promising, suggesting doing so could help address the skills gap.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 16, 2019

Comments close on Ed Dept's accreditation rules, but opposition remains

Student and teacher advocacy groups are calling for the department to hold a public hearing on the final rules, which they say is required by law.

By Hallie Busta • July 16, 2019

U of Alaska prepares for $135M cut in state funding

The system likely will have to lay off faculty and shutter programs after state lawmakers didn't muster enough votes to restore support.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 14, 2019

Colleges raise minimum wage ahead of states' planned increases

More colleges are raising their rates in response to pressure from campus groups to pay a living wage and due to state legislation calling for increases.

By Hallie Busta • July 9, 2019

$135M budget cut looms for U of Alaska

The governor slashed 41% of the state's support for the university, which could trigger massive layoffs, program cuts and tuition hikes.

By James Paterson • July 2, 2019

New endowment tax rules explain which colleges will be impacted — and how

But some say the long-awaited regulations from the Treasury Department leave questions unanswered. 

By Natalie Schwartz • July 2, 2019

Should your college offer an income-share agreement?

From regulations to success metrics, we look at aspects of the emerging financing tool that institutions should factor in when designing their programs.

By Hallie Busta • July 2, 2019

Supreme Court to decide DACA’s fate

Many colleges have voiced their support for DACA, with some even mounting legal challenges against the Trump administration's efforts to end the program. 

By Natalie Schwartz • July 1, 2019

Short-term Pell Grants gain more support in Congress

The proposal stands to benefit community colleges and nontraditional education providers like boot camps, but concerns remain around quality. 

By James Paterson • June 28, 2019

23 colleges and groups get $183.8M to expand apprenticeships

The U.S. Labor Department is granting funds for experiential learning in high-demand fields such as tech, health care and manufacturing.

By Natalie Schwartz • June 27, 2019

Foreign funding rules aren't keeping up with higher ed globalization, observers say

An Ed Department investigation of two universities highlights concerns over requirements some say are unclear.

By Shailaja Neelakantan • June 26, 2019

Labor Dept proposes new apprenticeship system and approval process

The new program would supplement the current registered apprentice system by adding opportunities across more industries and job types.   

By Ryan Golden , Natalie Schwartz • June 26, 2019