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‘We’ve simplified it’: Education Department rolls out FAFSA form earlier than ever before

The Department of Education says the change will help families navigate the rising cost of college amid affordability concerns.

Senators still working with SEC, Big Ten on issues involved in college sports bill

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and co-sponsor Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., are pushing to bring the Protect College Sports Act to a vote before Aug. 7, the last day the Senate meets before going on break.

‘I was freaking out,’ says Howard University student among 500 unenrolled over tuition payment

Howard University has reinstated dozens of the more than 500 incoming first-year students it unenrolled last week over missed tuition and financial-aid deadlines, leaving hundreds still without a place in the class weeks before the fall semester begins.

Warren calls for Education Department to ‘rescind’ student loan transfer to Treasury

Lawmakers are challenging the administration’s plan to move student aid operations to the Treasury Department, arguing the change could create legal and operational problems. The administration says the shift would strengthen oversight of the federal student loan portfolio.

Inside the ‘ghost student’ scam that uses identity theft to steal college loans and financial aid

Scammers using stolen identities pose as “ghost students,” enroll online at community colleges, and collect Pell grants and loans before disappearing. Investigators say they have 200+ open cases and have tied more than $350 million in fraud to the schemes.

Judge warns administration against changing immigration status of students who sued over free speech

A federal judge warned the Trump administration against changing the immigration status of students and academics who sued over alleged retaliation for pro-Palestinian speech. The ruling came after internal documents suggested the arrests were tied to protected campus activism.

University presidents reflect on academic freedom amid Trump’s push to reshape higher education

According to Neeli Bendapudi, the president of Penn State University, it is "important" that the federal government "continue that tradition of investing in our higher education system because it's a huge competitive advantage."

Without affirmative action, elite colleges are prioritizing economic diversity in admissions

Elite colleges are enrolling record numbers of low-income students by widening recruitment and boosting aid. The shift is drawing scrutiny from the Trump administration, which questions whether targeting needier students is legal.

Tribal college leaders uneasy about U.S. financial commitments despite funding increase

Tribal college leaders say a recent federal funding boost doesn’t ease fears about long-term U.S. financial commitments amid broader cuts. They worry ongoing instability threatens programs that sustain Native languages, culture and sovereignty.

California law to protect Jewish students faces challenge over free speech concerns

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is challenging a new California law designed to protect Jewish students from discrimination, but that plaintiff teachers and students say is unconstitutionally vague and violates their free speech rights.

How the government shutdown will impact schools, student loans

During the shutdown, previously awarded federal grants to schools are expected to continue, but new grants are paused until Congress acts. Student loan borrowers and education programs could face further disruption if the shutdown drags on.

Democratic senator warns colleagues of ‘distorted system’ if college sports bill passes

The bill would provide limited antitrust exemption for the NCAA, override state laws governing paying players in favor of one national statute and remove the possibility of athletes being considered employees of their schools.

Charlie Kirk’s tour invited political debates on college campuses

Charlie Kirk launched his “American Comeback Tour” this fall, inviting students to debate him at college campuses across the country. The Turning Point USA founder, credited with mobilizing young voters, died during the tour’s first stop in Utah.

At some colleges, move-in day includes students’ dogs and cats

For students, the companionship can help reduce stress, anxiety and homesickness. The colleges also see benefits for student engagement and helping them build connections with one another.

Groups urge U.S. colleges to end campus surveillance to protect protesters

A coalition of more than 30 privacy and civil rights groups is calling on U.S. universities to dismantle campus surveillance and data collection in order to protect student protesters from government retaliation.