Student Aid Policy

Graduates who earned certificates at public institutions have larger salaries, but there is wide variation between programs even at the same institutions.

Federal funding is a top item to watch, along with enrollments and fund-raising.

Democrats, higher education groups and consumer advocates renew their push for Congress to restore year-round Pell Grants and strengthen the program during a lame-duck session after the election.

Free public college would end our nation’s addiction to debt-financed higher education, writes David Bergeron, a worthy goal even if private colleges will need to make adjustments.

Education Department releases regulations to protect student borrowers against fraudulent and abusive institutions. Although rules are aimed at for-profit colleges, critics say they could have repercussions for all colleges.

Student borrowing drops for the fifth straight year as the rate of tuition increases slows.

Consumer advocates say a Brookings study highlights the need for comprehensive federal data on the relationship between college loan debt and race.

Michigan uses millions in federal welfare funds for grants to private colleges -- and some of the money flows to students from middle class and affluent families.