A new policy brief calls on colleges to use readily available financial aid data to inform students of their potential eligibility for government assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and subsidized health insurance.
Student Economics Archive
Spelman College receives historic $100M donation
The gift to the women’s college is the largest single donation to an HBCU and includes $75 million to endow scholarships.
Making study abroad more affordable
Studying abroad can be out of reach for first-generation and low-income college students due to travel and program costs. Colleges and their financial partners are working to expand access.
Meet the McCourt School of Public Policy’s 2024 Howard Scholar
Natalia Cooper (G’26) is developing new skills at the intersection of economic and social policy as a part-time student at the McCourt School of Public Policy and a full-time policy analyst at the Center on Poverty and Inequality.
Delays, glitches in the new FAFSA frustrate families
College applicants have encountered problems during the “soft launch” of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, leaving students and their families worried they will not receive financial aid packages in time to make informed college choices.
The changing nature of ‘merit’ aid at public institutions
Public colleges and universities are increasingly providing tuition discounts for wealthier students through non-need-based “merit” aid. The trend is exacerbating disparities in college access for lower-income students, experts say.
To boost Latine enrollment, colleges need to meet students’ financial needs
A national poll by The Chronicle of Higher Education finds that the vast majority of Latine students have considered attending college. Financial concerns prevent them from doing so.
Federal and state policies try to curb transcript withholding
As policymakers grow more concerned about transcript holds, federal and state lawmakers are looking for ways to close loopholes and protect students unable to repay federal or private loans.
Military-connected students at Georgetown reflect on holistic support
Veterans share how Georgetown’s expanded tuition benefits and comprehensive resources are enabling military-connected students to attend college and thrive on campus.
Academic requirements for financial aid are locking out students who need the most support
Experts say that making students’ federal financial aid conditional on “satisfactory academic progress” punishes students who have the fewest resources to help them complete their degree. State and federal lawmakers are working to create more student-friendly policies.
New aid formula expected to significantly expand Pell Grant eligibility
Forthcoming changes to the federal student aid application and formula could increase the amount of Pell Grants students receive and allow nearly 220,000 more students to gain Pell Grant eligibility, according to a new report.
New federal policy aims to protect student borrowers, ban most transcript withholding
The U.S. Department of Education released regulations that restrict higher education institutions from withholding course credit, protect students enrolled in schools at risk for sudden closure, and ensure schools clearly communicate how much financial aid students will receive.