The student debt crisis stands at $1.7 trillion, and President Biden's $1.75 trillion social-spending framework does close to nothing to help the 45 million Americans burdened by debt.

'Credential-as-you-go' lets students earn short-term certificates and badges to show employers their abilities even before they earn two-year, four-year or graduate degrees.

If early data holds up, the two-year decline since the pandemic started may be historic for higher education.

Two-year institutions and students are holding out hope that key portion of Biden plan can be saved, though it is unlikely.