Higher Ed. Dive
September 14, 2023 Student Success, Value and Affordability
A federal judge deemed the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program unlawful but didn’t order its immediate termination, leaving its fate uncertain. This implies that eligible students who have not been able to enroll in DACA can’t receive benefits like in-state tuition and scholarships, who were otherwise qualified. This case may be headed to the Supreme Court.
Inside Higher Ed.
August 30, 2023 Research, Student Success
A report by Lumina Foundation and Gallup shows that higher education offers numerous benefits beyond employment and earnings. A study revealed that individuals with higher education show more positive outcomes, with 92% graduate degree holders voting in federal elections, compared to 59% of those without postsecondary education. Although correlation doesn’t mean causation, the main challenge lies in convincing people to attend college for non-fiscal factors.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 28, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing a major revamp for the first time in 40 years to create a more streamlined process for students applying for federal aid. The form is expected to be released in December, two months later than usual. Colleges and universities must proactively prepare for the delay by reviewing admissions deadlines and financial aid practices.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 22, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The Common Application’s direct admissions experiment involving 13 institutions and 33,000 students showed promise. Students with direct admissions offers were twice as likely to apply to those colleges. However, only 6% of the pool applied through this model, focusing on marginalized groups. This resulted in a 4% increase in underrepresented minority applicants and a 3% increase in low-income neighborhood applicants. Researchers suggest that while direct admissions helps, simplifying financial aid processes and providing support are essential for improving higher education access.
Inside Higher Ed.
August 14, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
Scrutiny intensifies over legacy admissions in colleges after Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban. Lawmakers are questioning traditional practices of giving preference to the children of alumni and are suggesting reforms to ensure a fair and inclusive admissions process.
Reuters
August 01, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
US colleges are revamping their student essay prompts in response to the recent ban on affirmative action. To ensure diversity, colleges are modifying their essay questions to concentrate on other aspects of applicants’ experiences and backgrounds, aiming to create a fair and inclusive admissions process while adhering to the new regulations.
Higher Ed. Dive
July 18, 2023 Student Success, Value and Affordability
Over 425 free college programs now exist in the U.S., a rise from 53 in 2015. Students still face nontuition expenses that most free programs don’t cover. College Programs and ETS identified different student groups needing varying types of support. Institutions should understand diverse student needs and provide appropriate assistance, such as academic and personal advising.
Inside Higher Ed.
July 17, 2023 Student Success, Value and Affordability
The Biden administration has announced plans to forgive $39 billion in student loans, impacting 804,000+ borrowers. This first group of borrowers who will see relief include those who have made enough payments over 20 to 25 years to see the rest of their balances wiped out. The department will continue to track borrowers who reach the forgiveness thresholds every two months until next year. Potential additional future fixes to the income-driven repayment program will offer more generous terms for borrowers and more pathways to forgiveness.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
July 06, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The Supreme Court ruling has limited the use of affirmative action in college admissions, raising concerns about the future of DEI efforts. Experts argue that this decision highlights the need for organizations to adopt new tactics to promote diversity. Despite the ruling’s impact, experts believe it is an opportunity to recommit to DEI work in different fields.
Inside Higher Ed.
June 29, 2023 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
The Supreme Court rendered a decision against utilizing race as a factor of consideration in the college admissions process. The court’s ruling suggests that race-based preferences in admissions violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This ruling could have far-reaching implications for efforts to promote diversity in universities.