Higher Ed Watch

A Blog from New America's Higher Education Initiative

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Exceptional Waste

  • By
  • Stephen Burd
September 5, 2007

If you want a glaring example of the types of favors and give-aways that the government provides the student loan industry at the expense of taxpayers, look no further than the "Exceptional Performers" program.

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Buried Treasure in the U.S. News Rankings

  • By
  • Lindsey Luebchow
September 4, 2007

The U.S. News & World Reports annual ranking of colleges and universities, "Americas Best Colleges 2008," was published last week with typical fanfare. High school students and their parents likely flipped immediately to the "top schools" ranking, where they foundgasp!that Princeton University earned the top spot for the eighth consecutive year!

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Roundup: Week of August 27 - August 31

August 31, 2007

College Board Provided Gifts to Get on Preferred Lender Lists, Settlement with Connecticut AG Reveals

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Letting Down Our Guard

  • By
  • Sara Mead
August 30, 2007

Earlier this month we described the challenges many veterans face paying for college, because the GI bill benefits theyve earned through military service cover only about 75 percent of the average cost of attendance at a four-year public college or university, yet often make them ineligible for Pell grants or subsidized loan aid that could cover the remaining costs.

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A Bankrupt Argument

  • By
  • Stephen Burd
August 28, 2007

In 2005, Congress tucked into the bankruptcy bill a provision making it virtually impossible for borrowers to discharge private student loans. That provision -- which was added in a secret conference committee, received no public debate, and had no named Congressional sponsor --represents a glaring example of politicians serving corporate interests over regular people.

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Roundup: Week of August 20 - August 24

August 24, 2007

9.5% Program Cost Taxpayers $3.5 Billion Since 2001

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Colorado State Does Student Loans Right

  • By
  • Lindsey Luebchow
August 23, 2007

At Higher Ed Watch, we are deeply concerned about students who borrow high-cost private loans before exhausting their federal student loan eligibility. Non-federal, private student loans carry up front fees equal to as much as 10 percent of principal borrowed and interest rates that reach in excess of 18 percent. In contrast, federal Stafford loans have an interest rate of 6.8 percent.

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Keep the Eye on Access

August 21, 2007

With all the attention paid to student loans of late, there is a risk that policy makers will lose track of an issue of even greater importance for college access for low- and moderate-income students: grants for postsecondary education. Research has long shown that grants, not loans, are the most effective financing vehicle for encouraging the postsecondary attendance and persistence of low and moderate-income students.

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Roundup: Week of August 13 - August 17

August 17, 2007

Study Abroad Becomes Next Target of Cuomo Probe

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Pulling a Bait and Switch on Veterans

  • By
  • Sara Mead
August 16, 2007

If youve seen an action film this summer, odds are youve also seen a slick advertisement touting the benefits of joining the Army or Marinesincluding help paying for college.

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