Major Matters Most: The Economic Value of Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Texas System

The University of Texas System and the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce have released a study examining the earnings patterns of UT System graduates and the economic impact of earning a UT System degree.

New From the American Association of Community Colleges: Fast Facts Infographic

The American Association of Community Colleges has released its annual Fast Facts infographic, which covers data on community colleges including headcount enrollment, demographics of students enrolled, employment status and financial aid information.

The Impact of Year-Round Pell Grants on Academic and Employment Outcomes of Community College Students

Year-round Pell Grants were recently reinstated, having previously been implemented for academic years 2009-2010 and 2010-11. A timely working paper released by the Community College Research Center at Columbia University examines the effect of year-round Pell Grants on the likelihood of completing an associate degree.

New Evidence on Integrated Career Pathways

The Urban Institute, in partnership with The George Washington University, recently released an impact analysis of the Accelerating Opportunity (AO) initiative across four states. The program, created by Jobs for the Future, helps students and adults enroll in integrated career pathway programs at community and technical colleges.

From the Brookings Blog: The For-Profit Student Debt Dilemma

A recent blog post from The Brookings Institution discusses findings from their report on trends in student borrowing across sectors. Overall, the authors found that patterns for borrowing in the for-profit sector are similar to the private nonprofit sector in that students enrolled in these institutions are much more likely to borrow, tend to borrow larger amounts, and supplement federal funding with money from non-federal sources.

Podcast: How Is the Current Political Climate Affecting Higher Education?

ACE’s Senior Vice President Terry Hartle and former Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) discuss the current political environment and higher education under the Trump administration.

An Updated Look at Student Loan Debt Repayment and Default

Penn Wharton’s Public Policy Initiative recently released an issue brief highlighting the state of student debt repayment and default. The brief, An Updated Look at Student Loan Debt Repayment and Default, aims to provide insight on these issues for policymakers as amendments to the Higher Education Act are currently being considered.

New From MDRC: Aligning Aid With Enrollment

A new report by MDRC, Aligning Aid with Enrollment, explores if disbursing financial aid refunds biweekly helps students to cover expenses throughout the term by stretching financial aid dollars.

Staying on Track While Giving Back: The Cost of Student Loan Servicing Breakdowns for People Serving Their Communities

A new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlights several issues that student loan borrowers face, particularly those who have applied for relief under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education OKs New Funding Model for Universities

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (KYCPE) has approved a new state funding model for its public colleges and universities. Thirty-five percent of state funding will be based on the kinds of degrees earned.

Strengthening the College Pipeline for Young Men of Color in California

A new report by The Education Trust – West, the California based office of The Education Trust, examines the barriers to educational opportunities for young men of color in California. The report incorporates interviews with male students of color, their parents, educators and school administrators with research to provide a picture of their experiences in the education pipeline.

Understanding Foster, Juvenile Justice and Crossover Youth

The American Youth Policy Forum recently released their Understand Foster, Juvenile Justice, and Crossover Youth microsite and blog series, which aim to increase understanding of the barriers these populations face.