Student Aid Policy

The value of the Pell Grant hasn’t kept up with the cost of college, making a substantial increase in the maximum award amount worthy of support from both sides of the aisle.

The colleges appear to be leading students to risky loan providers, raising questions about the relationship between the institutions and lenders and how much information they’re disclosing to students.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated already-existing trends, pushing the average tuition discount rate for first-time undergraduates to 53.9 percent this year. Expect discounting to keep climbing even after the pandemic subsides.

Lafayette College steps out of the box by choosing College Advising Corps leader as its next president. The hire comes as the private college seeks to ramp up financial aid and grow its student body.

A landmark settlement between Clemson University and men's track and field and cross-country athletes got the team reinstated. A separate agreement promises women athletes equitable financial aid and other benefits.

Bills were introduced in Congress last week that are intended to make it easier for students to understand the cost of college and how they can pay for it.

Rather than expanding opportunities, opening up Pell Grants to short-term job training could put workers at greater risk, argue Daniel Bustillo and Amy Laitinen.

Allowing learners to use the Pell Grant for short-term programs could build a different kind of bridge -- one that links training, education and employment, argue Jamie Merisotis and Julie Peller.