Higher Ed. Dive
November 08, 2021 Research, Value and Affordability
The share of students selected for verification has reduced from 40% to 23% this year, due to reduced requirements because of the pandemic. However, the agency wants to resume full verification for the next cycle. Majority of students selected for verification are Pell grant recipients. However, the federal government should allow the IRS to share income data with the Education Department to eliminate the verification requirement for these students.
Inside Higher Ed
November 02, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
The National Education Equity Lab has created a model for helping low-income high school students and elite colleges connect. This model was designed to scale courses offered at elite colleges using Zoom to deliver them asynchronously to high school students nationwide. Since 2019, approximately 8,000 students received these courses. Participating universities provide classes at no cost. School districts pay a nominal amount to participate.
Inside Higher Ed
October 05, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Congressional Democrats’ social spending plan expects to face cuts as moderates in the Senate do not support the high prices. Low and moderate income students could be subject to added taxes for non-tuition related costs. The budget reconciliation bill includes a provision that would allow students to use their Pell grant for these expenses without additional tax liability. However, the provision has an uncertain future as lawmakers decide where to cut costs.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
September 08, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Increased spending on Financial Aid is key to keeping low-income students enrolled. Conveying to students that there is financial support can make a big difference. Some colleges are promising free tuition to low-income students without requiring loans. Making students feel welcome also matters a lot. Additionally, creating career development opportunities for students is beneficial.
Inside Higher Ed
August 23, 2021 Pre-College Outreach, Value and Affordability
When several colleges stopping charging application fees in 2016, admittance rates increased. The study and experiences of fee-free colleges have prompted more colleges to drop their application fees. Officials say that the idea makes sense from an access and affordability perspective. Colleges are also looking at more steps to appeal to students.
Inside Higher Ed
August 20, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success, Value and Affordability
Withholding college credits from students because of outstanding balances has long-lasting negative effects on students, especially low-income students and students of color. Authors of a study argue that withheld transcripts are a racial and socioeconomic equity problem that delays or prevents students from graduating. It also hinders career opportunities that would help them earn enough money to pay their institutional debts. Universities are exploring alternatives to tackle this problem.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 04, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
The COVID health crisis forced colleges to abruptly close campuses to in-person services last year and return key auxiliary dollars such as rent from student housing. Institutions also had to build digital infrastructure for online coursework, often with a high price tag. Compared to last year, federal relief funding has cushioned some budgetary concerns this year; however, many institutions are planning to increase tuition to make up for financial stresses brought about by the pandemic.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
August 02, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Last year, the U.S. government reported an 18% drop in overall student-visa holders and a 72% decrease in new enrollments in 2020. Students and families worry about cost of tuition, safety, and immigration policies, and are questioning the value of an American degree. If America ultimately cedes its place as the world leader in international education, that will affect diplomacy, the economy, and the health of colleges and universities nationwide.
Inside Higher Ed
July 19, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
The high school class of 2021 completed the FAFSA at a rate 4.8% lower than the previous year – about 102,000 fewer seniors, primarily low-income and/or minority students. FAFSA completions declined 6.5% among Title I-eligible public high schools, and for schools with more than 50% Black and Latinx students, the decline was 8.1%. Public high schools in cities and small towns declined the most, followed by schools in rural places and suburban high schools.
Higher Ed. Dive
March 25, 2021 Student Success, Value and Affordability
Higher education interest groups and institutional leaders have lobbied the federal government to increase the size of the Pell Grant for years, with renewed urgency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden said on the campaign trail that he wants to double the Pell Grant, and with the passage of the latest relief package, his administration can now focus on other matters.