Real estate developer David Walentas grew up working on a farm and knew no one who went to college. Now he’s funding scholarships and fellowships to transform first-generation students’ economic and social circumstances.
Topics: Virginia
UVa bringing back binding early decision in an unusual move for a public flagship
The university had previously eliminated early decision to increase economic diversity but now says its reintroduction will not jeopardize those gains.
Public colleges in Virginia and South Carolina freeze tuition
The states passed budgets that tie an increase in college funding to tuition freezes—and California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Colorado are considering similar measures.
More public flagship universities directing aid to middle-income students
Public flagship schools are expanding scholarship offerings to middle-income students—initiatives that may not only curb students’ debt burden but also boost enrollment and revenue.
UVA to go tuition-free for Virginia families earning less than $80K
University of Virginia President James Ryan made the announcement during his inaugural address, adding that in-state students from families earning less than $30,000 annually will receive free room and board, too.
Did financial pressure from parents lead to the decline of liberal arts majors?
An opinion piece counters the narrative that millennials are abandoning the humanities, pointing instead to wary parents, who are increasingly subsidizing—and steering—their children’s college pursuits.
What’s in a name? A look at ‘inclusive excellence’ administrators.
Exploring the emergence of cabinet-level positions explicitly dedicated to “inclusive excellence,” The Chronicle of Higher Education says the term signals a broader mandate to ensure the success of diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Students take to social media in search of scholarships
More students are asking colleges: Will you trade free, viral online exposure for a break on tuition costs?
In ‘education deserts,’ trading accountability for transparency could spell trouble
Relaxing regulations on for-profit colleges and relying on students to make data-driven enrollment decisions could be especially problematic in areas with few options for higher education, according to the director of the Urban Institute’s education policy program.
Emotional support improves performance among low-income college students, study shows
Low-income families can support their student’s college career in a non-financial way: by providing emotional support.