Latest release of American Rescue Plan funds can be used to re-engage disconnected students, expand mental health services, and bolster retention programs that improve graduation rates.

There are nearly 1,300 colleges that owe money to the Department of Education as of February, according to the National Student Legal Defense Network's review of a series of documents it obtained over two years through Freedom of Information Act requests.

Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center highlights the purge at community colleges, but a rise again in graduate students.