Student Loans/Pell Grants

Feds want advice on deregulating financial aid system

Trump administration and the Department of Education are welcoming education stakeholders to provide insight on streamlining student loans.

Why the short-term Pell offers limited yet promising results

Despite stronger enrollment and completion rates, students offered the experimental aid package underperformed in these three areas.

Paying for college: New insights into how families foot the bill

Families reported spending $28,409 on the 2023-24 academic year, and they paid nearly half with income and savings, according to Sallie Mae. There was also clear evidence of the impacts of FAFSA troubles. 

FAFSA fail creates “state of emergency” in West Virginia

College-bound West Virginia students can now qualify for the state’s largest financial aid programs without filling out the FAFSA application.

Amid FAFSA debacle, these higher ed leaders strive to ensure no student is left behind

College Possible, a nonprofit dedicated to servicing low-income and minority students through their higher education journey, has so far ensured that 56% of their students have filed for FAFSA, says CEO Siva Kumari.

One in three grad schools leave students with more debt than when they started

The HEA Group and Student Defense found that graduate schools leave students with over $100 million more in debt than what they entered repayment with.

Biden moves to Plan B after Supreme Court blocks student debt relief

Despite recent measures President Biden has taken to relieve student debt and halve repayment plans, the administration faces criticism on both sides of the aisle and with relief advocates.

4 reasons expanding the Pell Grant to prisoners is a net good

Prisoners who enroll in postsecondary education programs are 48% less likely to be reincarcerated than those who do not, according to the Journal of Experimental Criminology.

Minnesota’s “bold action to make college affordable” results in free tuition

Legislative negotiators have reached a deal to make college free for residents whose families make less than $80,000 a year in order to bolster the state's fledgling enrollment and labor workforce shortage.

Education espionage: FSA “secret shoppers” to monitor higher ed for unethical practices

“Schools that engage in fraud or misconduct are on notice that we may be listening, and they should clean up accordingly,” said Kristen Donoghue, FSA’s chief enforcement officer in the Department's announcement.

Student debt relief moves ‘full speed ahead’ despite temporary block

The program has been ordered to pause until an emergency request by six Republican-led states is ruled on.

Report: Emergency funds saved college students from stopping out

Did the $77 billion given by Congress to institutions of higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a large portion earmarked for students, really...

Dear Mr. President: Please cut student loan forgiveness

A joint letter from 22 U.S. governors addresses their concerns surrounding Biden's student debt cancellation plan, arguing that it places the burden of debt on the taxpayer.

Pell by the numbers: The power of expanding the federal grant program

A new brief from NASFAA reveals the stunning impact that doubling Pell could have on future students attending both public and private institutions.

$605 billion: New Wharton report shows cost of Biden’s loan forgiveness, at minimum

As Democrats and Republicans weigh in, there is concern that his plan could exceed $1 trillion.

Biden announces $10,000 in loan forgiveness, plus $20,000 in Pell relief for borrowers

While Democrats and philanthropy groups rejoice, Republican leaders call the president's decision to push ahead on the massive plan 'bloated' and 'political'.

Will student loan forgiveness worsen inflation? The majority worry it will

President Biden has proposed forgiving up to $10,000 for those who make under $125,000, striking fear among many adults, according to a recent survey.

Biden Administration dismisses $3.9B in loan debt for students defrauded by ITT Institute

ED also puts DeVry on notice over job placement claims as it aims to help borrowers find relief from predatory institutions.

DOE will use Pell Grants to increase college access for incarcerated individuals

The Department of Education announced today that incarcerated individuals will receive better access to college education programs. This will be done by extending Pell Grants to these individuals.

Biden administration proposes expansion of relief for student loan borrowers

Department of Education's plan includes more help for those in public service and those who have disabilities.

Biden administration discharges $5.8 billion for defrauded loan borrowers

Students, including many veterans who attended the for-profit institutions, will have debts dismissed. Will others get relief?

No relief? Romney, 4 Republican senators move to stop Biden from loan forgiveness

Conservative leaders push new Student Loan Accountability Act, saying it won't help most Americans during time of inflation.

The priceless plan from 22 higher ed groups that might trump $1.7T student loan fix

NASFAA and other organizations have drafted a lengthy report calling for a reset of the entire loan system.

Millions of loan borrowers get more relief in sweeping plan to fix student loan system

Cardona: 'Student loans were never meant to be a life sentence, but it’s certainly felt that way.'

Biden Administration grants student loan borrowers a 5th extension on payments

With many Americans struggling from inflation and the pandemic, the President and his team grant another pause to those with education debt.

Biden’s Double Pell promises are lofty, but will they pass in FY2023 budget?

The Administration also wants to give more help to HBCUs and MSIs, as well as improve career pathways.

House-approved $400 Pell Grant boost is ‘significant’ but falls short of hopes

Higher education advocates are still seeking a doubling of maximum awards, or getting closer to Biden's $2,000 proposal.

The 5 reasons Black leaders want loan debt eliminated, better funding for HBCUs

Will the $1.75 trillion social spending plan do enough to meet their needs or fall short of goals?

FSA: Loan servicers must hit 4 big goals starting in January to help borrowers

Six companies will need to reach higher standards for customer service and provide better assistance to those who owe.

More than 500,000 public service workers with student loans to get relief

The U.S. Department of Education is improving the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and giving credit due to borrowers.

A $5.8 billion win for student loan borrowers with disabilities

ED's discharge of debt also includes reduction in red tape.

Student loan borrowers get extension until 2022 to make payments

Biden Administration hints this will be final pause.

Double Pell Alliance’s new site is a direct line to Congress

Advocates say Congress needs to act quickly to help students.

Dems reintroduce Pell Grant bill, get support of education leaders

The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would incrementally boost aid to students, eventually doubling by 2027-28, and include undocumented students.

Double Pell! 1,200 colleges, advocates ask Congress to act

A coalition of colleges and universities, along with education organizations, draft letter to political leaders asking to increase grant money for students.