The U.S. Department of Education this month urged colleges and universities to consider spending federal coronavirus relief funding on mental health resources and services.
Topics: Policy
In response to labor shortages, states propose billions in higher education spending
States are increasing higher education funding to combat workforce shortages.
The uneven burden and benefit of state merit scholarships
State scholarship programs that award aid based on academic achievement have been touted as a way to increase opportunity for students from all backgrounds. Years later, they are perpetuating racial gaps.
What happens when states mandate FAFSA completion?
Several states now require high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Their FAFSA filings have increased—but so have concerns about sapping scarce resources from other college-access efforts.
U.S. colleges, advocacy groups working to support refugee students
Refugee advocacy groups and U.S. colleges are working to help resettle displaced Ukrainian and Afghan students and ensure their access to educational opportunities.
Spending package boosts maximum Pell Grant by $400
The recently passed fiscal year 2022 budget includes $3 billion for higher education, an additional $25 billion for federal student aid, and the largest increase to the maximum Pell Grant in more than a decade.
Increasing college access for currently, formerly incarcerated students
With expanded Pell Grant eligibility on the horizon, a new report considers what else is needed to improve college access and success for justice-impacted students.
States forge ahead with tuition-free college
At least seven tuition-free college programs have launched since November 2021, signaling ongoing momentum at the state level despite a stalled federal plan.
Pell Grants: Budget delay could disrupt aid offers; report shows $3.75B in unclaimed aid
The federal budget stalemate is creating uncertainty at a time when many colleges are preparing to issue financial aid award letters. A new report, meanwhile, drives home the implications when students don’t have a clear understanding of available aid.
CA gov. seeks to boost colleges’ funding—provided they close equity gaps
California Governor Gavin Newsom this week released a budget proposal that includes $39.6 billion for higher education and ties the funding to specific affordability, equity, and completion targets.
Georgetown reinforces its support for DACA
In a statement submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Georgetown University said it is “a proud home to Dreamers” and asserted its support for a proposed rule that would strengthen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Who tends to pay for state lottery-funded scholarships? Lower-income families.
Many states use lottery revenue to fund college scholarships, but the programs can sap resources from the very people who would most benefit from aid.