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Rutgers Today provides a daily stream of news from across Rutgers University, serving both internal and external audiences.

No Surprises for Higher Ed in Spending Bill

Inside Higher Ed

March 27, 2024  

The budget allocated to the Department of Education by Congress reflects a slight decrease from last year, with some adjustments in funding for various programs. Proposals to double the maximum Pell Grant per student, increase investments for those with low-income backgrounds, and financial aid programs were dismissed. An increase in funding for minority serving institutions was included. Though drastic cuts were not made, necessary increases to minimally account for inflation will continue to be advocated for.

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Transfers on the Rise

Transfers on the Rise

Inside Higher Ed

March 07, 2024

A new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center indicates an increase in the number of transfer students, particularly for historically disadvantaged groups, Black, Hispanic, and rural students. An increase in upward transfers from two-year community colleges to four-year institutions and across gender and age demographics is notable. Institutions have adjusted policies for students to support efficient completion and foster equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students.

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Pandemic learning loss could create another enrollment hurdle. What can higher ed do?

Higher Ed Dive

February 29, 2024  

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) is urging colleges to address the enrollment challenges due to post pandemic learning loss among K-12 students. Suggestions to analyze assessment results, identify readiness challenges, and provide tutoring support to K-12 schools have been highlighted.

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Department of Education Announces Steps to Make Better FAFSA® More Readily Accessible

Department of Education Announces Steps to Make Better FAFSA® More Readily Accessible

Diverse

February 21, 2024

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced additional steps to facilitate submitting the 2024–25 FAFSA form. To date, it is estimated that nearly 4 million forms have been successfully submitted, with time to complete reduced to as little as 15 minutes. However, given ongoing challenges, the Department of Education is dedicating $50 million in funding for personnel and resources, including technical assistance and support for institutions, students, and families.

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Another ‘Devastating’ FAFSA Delay

Inside Higher Ed

February 01, 2024  

Another FAFSA delay has been announced by the Department of Education, and colleges will likely not receive applicant’s federal aid information until March. There are rising concerns among education officials for students dependent on financial aid offers, especially low income and first generation applicants. Universities may be forced to push their usual May 1 student commitment deadlines back to June or July. This delay was attributed to various errors including a calculation oversight not accounting for inflation in the new Student Aid Index.

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Flagships Are Enrolling More and More Freshmen From Out of State

Flagships Are Enrolling More and More Freshmen From Out of State

The Chronicle of Higher Education

January 31, 2024

The proportion of in-state freshman enrollment has been seen as a declining trend over the past two decades, particularly evident in public flagship universities. Institutions that prioritize a higher proportion of out-of-state students may gain increased tuition revenue, but this comes at the expense of losing in-state support in the long term. While 75% of colleges still admit a majority of in-state freshmen, a dozen have shifted their enrollment trends. Hence, the variation in enrollment of in-state and out of state freshmen in different flagship universities highlights variable enrollment strategies across institutions.

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These access and affordability programs geared toward high schoolers reap great results

University Business

January 25, 2024  

Numerous states and programs have launched a variety of free scholarship and grant initiatives for high school students in need of financial assistance. Institutions have effectively utilized Direct Admissions programs as a strategy to boost enrollment rates. These efforts have resulted in a significant surge in enrollment, incentivizing students to stay close to home and enter the local workforce. However, expanded access and affordability for students through these increased initiatives could result in staff exhaustion and an excessively high student enrollment.

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5 higher education lawsuits to keep an eye on in 2024

5 higher education lawsuits to keep an eye on in 2024

Higher Ed. Dive

January 18, 2024 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends

The higher education landscape was changed dramatically due to a series of court decisions last year, and the coming year will see rulings on additional lawsuits that could further alter college and university practices. The article outlines five current lawsuits and their potential impact.

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7 higher education trends to watch in 2024

Higher Ed. Dive

January 08, 2024  

Institutions of higher education continue to face challenges that impact operations. The effects of the delayed Free Application for Federal Student Aid, political unrest, and continued financial strain are currently front of mind. Increased consolidation, problems with the federal aid program, attacks on diversity initiatives (including the recent Supreme Court ruling), lawsuits regarding policies of the Biden administration, difficulties facing ed tech companies, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in higher education are education trends to continue to watch.

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The new FAFSA form for college aid is out. Five things to know.

The new FAFSA form for college aid is out. Five things to know.

The Washington Post

January 03, 2024 Admissions

The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been launched online with improved changes. It aims to simplify the application process, making it easier for a larger pool of students to access financial assistance with altered eligibility. A couple changes include reduced number of questions, more data directly uploaded, adjustments to eligibility criteria and the transition to the Student Aid Index, potentially expanding Pell Grant eligibility for millions of students, ending the ban for incarcerated students. The application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is June 30, 2025.

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