USA Today

Trump just made it harder to close the Education Department

Trump has pushed to dismantle the Education Department, but his new spending law gives it major new responsibilities, including expanded Pell Grants and loan repayment plans. The move ironically strengthens the agency he wanted to shut down.

Kids are ditching traditional college for career tech programs. Parents are concerned

New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise. Meanwhile, parents are skeptical of options outside of the traditional college pathway to work.

Why these college students are wary of the GOP megabill

One aggressive legislative package, which already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, would significantly curb eligibility for Pell Grants and fine schools for leaving students with debt.

Meet the college kids who are swearing off smartphones

More Gen Z college students are ditching smartphones for flip phones or going phone-free. Movements like Reconnect and viral TikToks show how unplugging helps them feel calmer and more connected.

With a war on Harvard raging, religious colleges get big tax break in Trump spending bill

Trump's spending bill, headed to the Senate, would exempt religious colleges from a big tax increase on endowments. But some religious institutions may not qualify, raising First Amendment concerns.

Is college worth it? See which majors offer the highest return on investment

On average, a college graduate earns $32,000 more in a year than a worker with only a high school diploma, according to a new report from Federal Reserve economists.

Survey: Parents shell out $3K annually on kids sports with college, pros in mind

Spending on youth sports now averages $3,000 annually, with many families hoping for college scholarships or pro careers despite long odds. Rising costs have led to financial strain and lifestyle sacrifices, fueling calls for a shift back to affordable, local recreational sports.

House bill seeks to prevent college athletes from being employees of schools, conference or NCAA

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) introduced a bill Tuesday to bar college athletes from being classified as employees. The move comes amid ongoing debates in Congress over athlete compensation and employment rights.

With hundreds fewer workers, can the Federal Student Aid office still function?

Current and former staffers, financial aid officers and previous education secretaries are doubtful the office that helps students pay for college won't be disrupted by mass layoffs and resignations.

Supreme Court won’t join debate over free speech on college campuses

'Instead of allowing free-range debate,” lawyers for Speech First told the Supreme Court, “many colleges are more interested in protecting students from ideas that make them uncomfortable.'

Judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE from Education Department’s personnel information

A U.S. District Judge granted a temporary restraining order against the government until March 10, ruling that “unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs’ sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify.”

Trump gave schools 2 weeks to ban DEI. Lawyers say it’s not that simple

The Education Department is threatening to withhold federal funds from schools that don't comply with new guidance, prompting administrators to reflect on their values and comfort levels with risk.

Education Department will shield federal student aid data from Musk’s DOGE—for now

The agency said it would not allow any members of the Department of Government Efficiency to see or use information from federal student aid databases until next Monday.

Education department places dozens of officials on leave over Trump’s DEI order, union says

The AFGE, a union which represents federal officials, estimated that at least 55 Department of Education staffers received leave notices, but the group expects that number to climb.

College kids, an old drug, and why it’s everywhere again

An old drug has taken on new popularity—and it has doctors concerned.Once known by nicknames like laughing gas and hippy crack, the inhalant nitrous oxide—a sedative commonly used by healthcare providers—is getting attention online.