A new book chronicles the policies and persistent underfunding that have shaped the trajectory of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities—and calls on the government to step up support.
Topics: Policy
Why state attainment goals may be slipping out of reach
Persistent racial disparities in college degree completion pose a significant threat to state attainment goals and local economies, further fueling states’ outreach to underrepresented students.
Tailoring college promise programs to the needs of adult learners
Sixty-seven of the nation’s college promise programs offer free tuition for students age 25 and older, but far fewer are actually designed for adult learners.
150+ colleges have cleared student balances, with more expected
Colleges and universities from coast to coast are using federal pandemic relief funds to clear student debts for unpaid tuition and fees.
FAFSA: Completions decline, verification temporarily relaxed
This month brought mixed FAFSA news, including a pronounced drop in completions among low-income students and students of color, and a temporary reprieve from verification.
Visa, vaccine complexities await international students headed to U.S. campuses
International students preparing to attend U.S. colleges this fall are navigating a complicated web of travel guidelines, embassy closures, visa processing delays, and vaccination requirements.
Federal officials announce broadband internet discount for Pell Grant recipients
Approximately 6.5 million Pell Grant recipients may be eligible for a new Federal Communications Commission program offering discounts on broadband internet service and devices.
Federal officials extend pandemic aid to undocumented, international students
The U.S. Department of Education this week prepared to distribute more than $36 billion in emergency aid to colleges, announcing that it has reversed a Trump-era decision that barred undocumented and international students from accessing the funds.
The steep cost of inequality in higher education
Eliminating racial and economic disparities in college attainment is an expensive proposition. But failing to do so costs the United States far more, according to a new report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
With $35B from Congress, college emergency aid programs multiply, evolve
U.S. colleges and universities collectively have received billions in federal funds for emergency student aid this past year, prompting campuses to create—and refine—programs that connect students with timely support.
24 states now allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees
Arizona this week became the latest state to permit community colleges to offer baccalaureate programs, and others are eyeing the model’s potential to increase college access and address local labor needs.
Biden calls for free community college, Pell increase in spending plan
President Joe Biden’s new $1.8 trillion spending plan features more than $300 billion in higher education investments intended to increase college affordability and close equity gaps.