4/17/14 NEWS
The big news today is on page one: 1 - The phone campaign in support of HR3892 is being changed to a POPVOX campaign 2 - The 4 petitions you need to sign to help us get HR3892 passed. 4/16/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/16/14 NEWS Student Loan Borrowers' Costs To Jump As Education Department Reaps Huge Profit Huffington Post The U.S. Department of Education is forecast to generate $127 billion in profit over the next decade from lending to college students and their families, ... POLITICO Jen Mishory has been promoted to executive director of Young Invincibles. She replaces Aaron Smith at the organization, which bills itself as a non-partisan, non-profit voice of 18- to 34- year olds. POLITICO NO STUDENT-ATHLETES HUNGRY Here's why your student loans are about to get more expensive Vox US Sen. John Walsh joined educators and studentsat the University of Montana on Monday to ... Ravalli Republic Walsh signed onto the Student Loan Refinancing Act, which would reduce the interest rate on federal student loans from 8 percent to 4 percent. KLINE, ALEXANDER FILE FIRST QUARTER REPORTS POLITICO Overseas student loans collection hits $100m Scoop.co.nz (press release) Overseas student loans collection hits $100m. Over $100 million of additional taxpayer money has now been collected from overseas-based HOW CAN HIGHER ED DATA CIRCULATE BETTER? Comments are due by June 2 Student Loan Re-fi Bill? Wait Till Next (Fiscal) Year, At Least MainStreet NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Dueling budgets released this month by Congressional Democrats and Republicans were dead on arrival in the House The Lumina Foundation commissioned 15 reports detailing various steps for student financial success. The papers, written by experts and analysts and released Monday, are based off a set of design principles created by the foundation to inform institutions, states and the federal government . Find all of the papers here: http://bit.ly/QmoW44. Inside Higher Ed Bachelor's degree recipients coming out of expensive colleges see the most benefit from IBR because the plans allow them to borrow so much. The report: http://bit.ly/1n6FsD1. Inside Higher Ed Education Department is working on a multiyear plan to create performance metrics and pricing models that are uniform across the department's four main loan servicers...http://bit.ly/P2mD58. Inside Higher Ed But New America Foundation's Ben Miller said both pieces miss the point. Inside Higher Ed Washington state lawmakers will reconvene April 29 to finalize its report to the state Supreme Court on a long-term plan to fund education in Washington. News Tribune: http://bit.ly/1qXZld8. Small U.S. colleges battle death spiral as enrollment drops. Bloomberg:http://bloom.bg/P0P7w0. NCAA lobbies college administrators to make student athlete unions sound awful. The Associated Press: http://huff.to/1kVdQRA. Pro Publica / By Marian Wang Alternet We're All Paying for Student Loan Defaults and the Incredible Cost of U.S. Higher Education New federal study reveals loan default rate tripled in the past four years, and taxpayers are picking up the tab. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2014 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU PROPOSES REVISION TO RULE PROTECTING CONSUMERS SENDING MONEY INTERNATIONALLY Revisions Would Help Facilitate Compliance With New Consumer Protections WASHINGTON, D.C ACCT Government Affairs Office ACCT Latest Action in Washington April 15, 2014 – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released updated budget projections for the Pell Grant program that once again show lower estimated program costs over the next ten years (FY 2014 – 2024) and delaying the need for supplemental funding for at least one year...updated CBO chart may be viewed here: http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/44199-2014-04-Pell_Grant.pdf. Yesterday, the Lumina Foundation released a series of reports on college affordability, loan repayment models, and federal-state-institutional partnerships in student financial aid. The reports, as well as an archived webcast of the event, may be viewed here: http://www.luminafoundation.org/newsroom/ideas_summit.html. Student Loan Borrowers Assistance Senate Hearing Highlights: Strengthening the Federal Student Loan Program for Borrowers Posted: 15 Apr 2014 06:08 AM PDT The U.S. Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions Committee (HELP) held a very important hearing a few weeks ago on federal student loan issues. This was part of a series of hearings to collect ideas for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The hearing began with testimony from James Runcie, COO of the Department of… Senate passes proposed amendment on student loans Ktoo Anna Fairclough, proposes a change to the state constitution to allow for authorization of state general obligation debt for fundingstudent loans. Only 41 percent of families have drafted a formal plan for how they're going to pay for college. Politico How recruiters buy top football prospects for their colleges. SB Nation: Coursera will be financial viable within five years, its new CEO, and former Yale president, says. The New York Times Student Loan Repayment Plans Could Cost Borrowers More U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Debt Relief Available in Exchange For Volunteer Work DNAinfo PILSEN This marks the final round of TAACCCT grants, which were created by the stimulus. The infusion has been huge for community colleges, and advocates would like to see Congress give the program permanent funding Student Loan Debt Relief Available in Exchange For Volunteer Work DNAinfo Senator Warren speaks out on student loan debt, talks her salary at Harvard My Fox Boston She blasted the government for making money off loans, wants bankruptcy protections to be reinstated on student loans and is calling for refinancing ... Shift in Scrutiny of Loan Servicers Inside Higher Ed Deanne Loonin, who represents low-income student loanborrowers as a staff lawyer at the National Consumer Law Center, said that it is “promising” ... Forbes Student Loan Safety Nets: Estimating the Costs and Benefits of Income-Based Repayment Brookings Institution Don't Skimp on Legal Training By ERWIN CHEMERINSKY and CARRIE MENKEL-MEADOW Talk of a crisis in legal education risks pushing law schools into hasty and ill-considered reforms. Members of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges suggested a path forward for the embattled City College of San Francisco in a blog post Monday politico CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU PROPOSES REVISION TO RULE PROTECTING CONSUMERS SENDING MONEY INTERNATIONALLY Revisions Would Help Facilitate Compliance With New Consumer Protections Fitch Affirms Nelnet 2013-3 Senior & Sub Notes; Outlook Stable MarketWatch NEW YORK, Apr 15, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fitch Ratings affirms the Nelnet Student Loan Trust 2013-3 senior note at 'AAAsf' and the subordinate .. Fitch Takes Various Rating Actions on KeyCorpStudent Loan Trust 2004-A (Group I) MarketWatch NEW YORK, Apr 15, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fitch Ratings affirms the ratings of the senior notes issued by KeyCorp Student Loan Trust 2004-A ... Fitch Affirms the Senior Notes of Arkansas Student Loan Authority Series 2010-1 MarketWatch NeW YORK, Apr 14, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fitch Ratings affirms the senior student loan notes at 'AAAsf' issued by Arkansas Student Loan 4/16/14 BILLS Apr 14, 2014 9:45 p.m. — Bill TexT H.Con.Res. 96: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024. This resolution’s text for status Placed on Calendar in the Senate (Apr 11, 2014) is now available. Apr 14, 2014 9:45 p.m. — Bill TextS. 2230: A bill to provide the legal framework necessary for the growth of innovative private financing options for students to fund postsecondary education, and for other purposes. This bill’s text is now available. Apr 15, 2014 2:51 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4436: To provide the legal framework necessary for the growth of innovative private financing options for students to fund postsecondary education, and for other purposes. This bill’s text is now available. Apr 16, 2014 4:45 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4480: To amend adverse credit history determinations for purposes of Federal Direct PLUS Loan eligibility.This bill’s text is now available. 4/14/14 NEWS
Meanwhile, in college campuses across America - Daily Kos Cassiodorus Who Is Responsible for theStudent Loans After Divorce? Wall Street Journal For many young couples today, marriage means more than loving, honoring and cherishing each other—it also means taking on a spouse's student .. A Better Way to Finance That College Degree Wall Street Journal If you thought mortgage-underwriting standards were lax right before the housing crisis, wait until you take a closer look atstudent loans. Borrowing for .. States Crack Down on For-Profit Colleges, Student Loan Industry Stateline By the time he decided to cut his losses and move back home, Hastie had racked up more than $90,000 in student loans—with no degree to show for ... Walsh stops in Missoula to speak about timber;student loan debt discussion Monday The Missoulian The bill would allow people repaying federal student loans at an interest rate above four percent to refinance. The senator said with some students .. Fitch Upgrades SLM Student Loan Trust 2007-7 Sub Note; Affirms Sr Notes; Outlook Stable ... Insurance News Net (press release) Fitch Ratings affirms at' AAAsf' the senior notes issued by SLMStudent Loan Trust 2007-7.. The credit quality of the trust collateral is high, in Fitch's ... Couple finds ways to slay the debt dragon Albuquerque Journal The couple, who live in Greenwood, Ind., owed more than $127,000 in student loans, credit-card bills, auto loans and more. With a second child on the .. Area Studies Mismatch - Inside Higher Ed Experts in area and language studies discuss how to meet rising student demand when federal budget cuts, vanishing tenure-track positions, and lack of commitment to specialized librarians are hurting their fields Fossil Fuel Free Investments - Inside Higher Ed Pitzer will sell holdings -- a rare move for a college with an endowment of its size. » New AFT Campaign on 'Promise of Higher Education' - Inside Higher Ed » Oregon Faculty Senate Passes Academic Freedom Resolution - Inside Higher Ed » New Division III Athlete Grad Rates- Inside Higher Ed Study traces relative success of those who earn Ph.D.s at more and less prestigious institutions Inside Higher Ed Who Should Advise? Confessions of a Community College Dean - Inside Higher Ed Realities of community college advising. YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Deadline approaching to enter scholarship giveaway mLIVE Ann Arbor After 5 Years, the Oregon State Liberty Lawsuit Saga Reaches $101,000 Conclusion - collegemediamatters.com Posted by Dan Reimold Daily Cardinal Special Issue Offers ‘360-Degree Look at What a College Degree Means’ collegemediamatters.com Posted by Dan Reimold Local News, Off College Presses - New York Times By JENNIFER CONLIN As financial pressures force newspapers to close or make cuts, college journalism students are picking up the slack in many communities. 4/13/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/13/14 NEWS Elizabeth Warren decries US college loan profits Boston Globe US Senator Elizabeth Warren blasted government profits onstudent loans in a speech at Suffolk University's Law School on Saturday, firing up a .. St. Thomas student takes baby steps into the world of business Pioneer Press She made the tough choice to take out student loans to cover it. She estimates she'll have nearly $100,000 in student loan debt by the time she ... We're All Paying for Student Loan Defaults and the Incredible Cost of U.S. Higher Education - Marian Wang / Pro Publica Obama Is About to Get a Lot More Cozy with the Corporate Education Racket - Gary Cohn / Capital and Main How Predatory College Loans Are Bankrupting the Financial Future of America's YouthSean McCollum / Teaching ToleranceWhat You Don't Know About Financial Aid (but Should) - NY Times Need is the most important word. And the most misunderstood. * 10 Courses With a Twist * Pop Quiz: Steven Pinker's Mind Games * Go to Education Life National Debt Relief Reveals How Student Loans Destroy The Future Of Consumers DigitalJournal.com On April 8, 2014, National Debt Relief published an article that discussed the bad effects of student loans to the future of consumers. The title of the ... Paying Off Student Loans Puts A Dent In Wallets, And The Economy NPR Weighing in at more than $1 trillion, student loan debt is now larger than total credit card debt. Morning Edition recently asked young adults about their ... For-Profit School Scams and Student Loan Fraud LoanSafe Seven colleges where you can learn and earn St. Louis Post Afraid of student-loan debt? Sell stock in yourself instead. STLtoday.com Crowdfunding Student Loans -- To a Bigger Crowd MainStreet Nebraska Farm Bureau plans to offer scholarship,student loan help to agriculture teachers The Republic ASU students work to revolutionize loan repayment Arizona State University Shaving down college student loan debt while still in school could soon be an option for ASU and other U.S. university students, thanks to the efforts of Fixing the Common App - Inside Higher Ed Consultant's report blames insufficient testing and a poor plan for frustrating problems experienced in the fall. Analysis also notes concerns about pricing policies that may have left colleges more vulnerable than they might have been. Registering Toward Completion - Inside Higher Ed A simple yet uncommon approach to get students to graduation faster: let them sign up for the entire year's classes at once. Apprenticeship as Degree Pathway - Inside Higher Ed The Obama administration unveils a new program aimed at making it easier for students to reap academic credit for completion of apprenticeships. Low Expectations, High Stakes - Inside Higher Ed New report sheds light on the oft-ignored adjunctification of community colleges, which may be a barrier to college completion. Senate passes proposed amendment on student loans SFGate - JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Senate has passed a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at helping lower the cost of student loans. 4/13/14 BILLS Apr 10, 2014 — Passed House H.Con.Res. 96: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024.Last Action: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 205 (Roll no. 177).Explanation: This resolution passed in the House on April 10, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration.THIS BILL HAS A SERIOUS IMPACT ON PELL GRANTS! GO TO POPVOX.COM AND VOTE AGAINST IT! CALL YOUR SENATOR AND TELL THEM “NO”! Apr 10, 2014 — IntroducedH.R. 4480: To amend adverse credit history determinations for purposes of Federal Direct PLUS Loan eligibility. Sponsor: Rep. Cedric Richmond [D-LA2] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration.2 cosponsors are on that committee. Apr 10, 2014 — IntroducedH.Con.Res. 97: Recognizing caregiving as a profession and the need for increased educational opportunities for both paid and family caregivers. Sponsor: Rep. Lee Terry [R-NE2]This resolution was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Apr 10, 2014 — New CosponsorsH.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. John Carter [R-TX31] New Cosponsor: Rep. Aaron Schock [R-IL18] New Cosponsor: Rep. Mark Amodei [R-NV2] Apr 10, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4472: To provide for the establishment of a grant program to support United States-Israeli cooperation for neuroscience-related research, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Chaka Fattah [D-PA2] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Apr 10, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4461: To authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Climate Change Education Program. Sponsor: Rep. Michael “Mike” Honda [D-CA17] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and House Committee on Energy and Commerce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Apr 10, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4455: To require Federal agencies to collaborate in the development of freely available open source educational materials in college-level physics, chemistry, and math, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Bill Foster [D-IL11] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Apr 10, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4468: To require career and technical education for maritime careers. Sponsor: Rep. Kathy Castor [D-FL14] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. 1 cosponsor is on that committee. Apr 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 2204: Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Improvement Act New Cosponsor: Sen. John “Jack” Reed [D-RI] 4/12/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/12/14 NEWS House calls for student loans to be forgiven in bankruptcy HR620 - Chicago Sun-Times Many Millennials Expect To Spend Decades Paying For College Following Suit: Student LoanLawsuit Update LawyersandSettlements.com More Consumers Complain About Wrongful Debt Collection Attempts in Q1 Inside Arm Administration Awarded Two Pinocchios for Gainful Employment Claim The Washington Post Allison Bresnick: HuffPost Live's Daily 'On Campus' Series Lets Students Speak Out HuffPost Live's "On Campus" series allows students to have a voice and share their passions, concerns, and stories. From student run protests, to sex columnists, to an interview with the first college football player to come out, "On Campus" covers it all. If you have an idea or want to be an on air guest, email [email protected] and let your voice be heard! Student Activism Worldwide Inside Higher Ed $100 Million Gift for Dartmouth Inside Higher Ed The "DREAM Loan" bill Politico A proposal in the California legislature would create a student loan program for undocumented immigrant students in the University of California and California State systems. These students could get up to $4,000 in loans from the state and their university under SB 1210. MAKING ED TECH WORK FOR ED: To encourage more private-sector innovation, the Education Department is working on a "developer's toolkit" - a handbook for entrepreneurs interested in creating technology specifically for the education market... Marco Rubio To Present Student Loan Alternative Reuters Marco Rubio Wants to Shift Student Loans from the Government to Investors The Wire An alternative to traditional student loans, ISAs allow private investors and organizations to put money towards a student's college costs in exchange Rubio, student loan bill is personal - CNBC AThree in four graduates will be paying off student loans until their 50s Daily Mail NY Senator Pushes for Ceiling on Student LoanInterest Rate - The Epoch Times NEW YORK—Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has continued to push for the Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act, a billl she introduced last May that would ... Elizabeth Warren slams Paul Ryan for his comments on "inner city men not working" Daily Kos " culture of "The 20 Things I Wish Someone Told Me at 20UT-Austin President's Future Decided.. For Now Huffington Post The 20 Most Useless Degrees Huffington Post A Secret Society On Wall Street Has Tremendous Influence Over Colleges Nationwide Huffington Post Evaluate Student Loan Options for 3 Stages of Borrowers U.S. News & World Report (blog) Woman who can't become a nun because of $25000 in student loans starts crowdfunding page Daily Caller A New Model for For-Profit Education?[source: washingtonmonthly.com] "In the last decade for-profit colleges have come under extensive scrutiny for their low graduation rates, their former students’ high loan default rates, and the fact that many former students appear to have getting a job once they leave these institutions." TEGL 20-13 -- Designation of Additional Population of Veterans Eligible for Services from the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program Specialist – Veterans Ages 18 to 24, has been added to the ETA Advisory database and is now available -- Two new analyses on college costs and prices in recent years. The Lumina Foundation: http://bit.ly/1sic5Pc and http://bit.ly/1emtC5k. -- Community colleges in 21 states can now offer bachelor's degrees Hechinger Report Getting Their Act(ion)s Together Inside Higher Ed In effort to ward off mounting criticism of accreditation, the seven regional agencies collaborate to align their punishments and how they impose them. 4/12/14 BILLS ACCT Government Affairs Office Apr 10 ACCT Latest Action in Washington April 10, 2014 – Today, the House passed H.Con.Res. 96, a budget resolution for fiscal year (FY) 2015 by a vote of 219 to 205. The resolution, introduced by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) cuts federal spending by $5 trillion over 10 years, and includes cuts to higher education. Additionally, it shifts a significant amount of non-defense discretionary funding to the defense side of the ledger. The resolution calls for significant changes for the Pell Grant program, including: eliminating eligibility for less-than-half-time students; instituting an income cap; lowering income thresholds to qualify for a zero expected family contribution; changing the current income protection allowance to require higher contributions from working students; and removing the income exclusion of the child tax credit, TANF, and EITC. Additionally, it freezes of the maximum Pell Grant award at its current level of $5,730, and eliminates all $84 billion in mandatory funding for the Pell Grant program. The House budget also calls for elimination of federal loan in-school loan interest subsidies for undergraduate students, as well as elimination of fees paid to institutions for administration of the Pell Grant or campus-based aid. POPVOX WEEKLY TOP 20: VOTE ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #1 The Republican "Path to Prosperity" Budget (HConRes 96) Establishing the budget for the US Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024. - https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hconres96 -- Passed the House; now goes to the Senate for consideration. -- 294 Support | 149 Oppose CAST YOUR VOTE!!! Strengthening Education through Research Act (H.R. 4366) passed the House with bi-partisan support. Apr 07, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3921: IN STATE Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Rep. Adam Schiff [D-CA28] Apr 07, 2014 — Introduced H.Res. 544: Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 96) establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024, and pro Sponsor: Rep. Rob Woodall [R-GA7] This resolution was referred to the House Committee on Rules which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Rep. Rob Woodall [R-GA7] is a member of the committee. Apr 08, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1659: POST Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. John “Jay” Rockefeller [D-WV] Apr 08, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1873: Protect Student Borrowers Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. Christopher Murphy [D-CT] Apr 08, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 4232: Veterans Higher Education Opportunity Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Judy Chu [D-CA27] Apr 08, 2014 — Reported by Committee H.R. 4366: Strengthening Education through Research Act Last Action: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. Explanation: The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on April 8, 2014. Apr 08, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4427: To provide for a grants program to develop and enhance integrated nutrition curricula in medical schools.Sponsor: Rep. Tim Ryan [D-OH13] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. 1 cosponsor is on that committee. Apr 08, 2014 — Introduced S.Res. 418: A resolution to honor Gallaudet University, a premier institution of higher education for deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary and to recognize the impact of the University on higher edSponsor: Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH] Apr 08, 2014 12:12 p.m. -- Legislation Coming Up H.R. 1871: Baseline Reform Act of 2013This bill has been added to the House’s schedule for the coming week, according to the House Majority Leader. See the week ahead. Last Action: This bill passed in the House on April 8, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration. Apr 08, 2014 9:46 p.m. — Bill Text S. 2204: Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Improvement Act This bill’s text is now available. Apr 09, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013New Cosponsor: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [R-FL25] New Cosponsor: Rep. Kyrsten Sinema [D-AZ9] Apr 09, 2014 — Reported by Committee H.R. 4309: To amend the Sikes Act to make certain improvements to the administration of cooperative agreements for land management related to Department of Defense readiness activities, and for other purposes.Last Action: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. Explanation: The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on April 9, 2014. Apr 09, 2014 — Introduced S. 2234: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit against income tax for employees who participate in qualified apprenticeship programs.Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker [D-NJ] This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance which will consider it before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration. Apr 09, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4436: To provide the legal framework necessary for the growth of innovative private financing options for students to fund postsecondary education, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep. Thomas “Tom” Petri [R-WI6] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, House Committee on Financial Services, and one other committee which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. 4/9/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/9/14 NEWS Sen. Gillibrand Drafts Bill To Allow College Grads To Refinance Federal Loans CBS Local South Carolina State Diverted Funds to Deal With Deficits Inside Higher Ed New, Improved Loan Participations Credit Union Times Participation returns for student loans, for instance, can be comparable to small business loans in the range of 300 to 400 basis points net ROI. Outstanding student loan debt could keep nun out of seminary RT Aspiring Nun Kept From Joining Convent by Student Loan Debt; Mary Beth Baker Fundraises $8000 Christian Post Best, Brightest and Rejected: Elite Colleges Turn Away Up to 95% By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA New York Times Deluged by more applications than ever, the most selective colleges are rejecting legions of students they once would have accepted. Bard Invites Essays in Lieu of Applications New York Times Consumer borrowing jumps $16.5 billion, fueled by auto and student loans PFhub The United States consumer is drowning in debt. Total personal debt has exceeded $16 trillion and personal debt per citizen is more than $50,000 ... Academic Gap in Athletics Spending Inside Higher Ed A significant escalation in the gap in academic support spending for athletes at the wealthiest institutions has left low-resource programs further behind than ever, new research shows. Duncan Defends Ratings System to Congress Inside Higher Ed Successful and Unemployed Inside Higher Ed Todd K. Platts finished his Ph.D., started publishing and earned good teaching reviews. Why is a job impossible to find? Is The Cost Of Students Loans Worth The Price Of Your Dream School? Forbes More college students drowning in debt WKYC-TV Student loan debt has now gone up nearly 60 percent in the past seven ... In Ohio, the average college graduate owes more than $29,000 in loans. 4/9/14 BILLS none yet today, so you get this: PETITION: I support a Constitutional amendment saying that corporations are not people and they do not have the right to spend money to buy our politicians. Sign here: http://www.wolf-pac.com/petition?recruiter_id=80877 4/8/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/8/14 NEWS Quick over the phone loans album reviews site Student Loans Not Guaranteed By the Federal Government (Private Student Loans) If the federal government has not guaranteed your student loans . House Democrats Propose Student Loan Refinancing Inside Higher Ed Obama dangles student-loan freebie for midterm 2014 voters Daily Caller President Barack Obama today suggested that's he'll pressure Congress to to reduce voters' student-loan payments before the November elections. ACCT Latest Action in Washington - ACCT Government Affairs Office: -Vice President Joe Biden announced the creation of a Registered Apprenticeship-College Consortium -Administration's proposed funding for new competitive grant proposals, as opposed to providing additional funding for existing formula programs- webcast - significant changes for the Pell Grant program - full budget proposal -Youth CareerConnect grant Prepared Remarks of Richard Cordray Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau “Making Libraries Community Hubs for Financial Education” CFPB Student Loans, Mass Debtor Incarceration, and the Eternal George W. Bush Huffington Post (blog)The most important thing to remember about this student loan crisis is that we weren't always in it. An Indefensible Defense of Student Loans Credit.com News (blog)James Runcie, the Federal Student Aid office's chief operating officer, appeared before the U.S. Senate's Education Committee where he was grilled ... Student Debt Weighs Down Women More. Blame The Wage Gap NPR Is college worth the cost? The Economist Wesleyan University, an elite liberal arts college, is now letting students graduate in three years. The Boston Globe Student Loans Are Ruining Your Life. Now They’re Ruining the Economy, Too Sam Frizell - TIME Legal entrepreneur seeks plaintiffs who feel they were wronged by affirmative action in college admissions. The New York Times Hoping to grow more skilled workers right here at home, President Obama handed out 24 Youth CareerConnect grants on Monday, worth a total of $107 million Politico How Washington steals from the young to give to the old Bonnie Kristian, Rare Fitch: US Student Loan Rise Muted Impact on ABS Fort Mills Times Liddick: Student loan debt continues to soar Summit Daily News Graduates tackle student loan debt Daily Helmsman Student loans can pile up quickly after graduation. A recent publication by Project on Student Debt showed that more than half of 2012 ARNE IN THE APPROPRIATIONS HOT SEAT Politico Students glad about cheap loans, but ask if BJP will deliver? Daily News & Analysis Students have welcomed the BJP's manifesto owing to the scholarship, student loans and entrepreneurship programs that the party has promised in Apprenticeship as Degree Pathway Inside Higher Ed The Obama administration unveils a new program aimed at making it easier for students to reap academic credit for completion of apprenticeships. United States: Recent Florida Supreme Court Decision Highlights Perils Of Conflicting Arbitration Clauses Article by Thomas F. Oppenheimer Fox Rothschild LLP Data Standards for Workforce Credentials Inside Higher Ed A Call for President Obama Inside Higher Ed If the administration wants to help get more low-income students into top colleges, it's time to take on the rankings, writes Catharine Bond Hill. Box Scores and College Ratings Inside Higher Ed In an open letter to Arne Duncan, Thomas Foley compares how success is defined in the education secretary's beloved sport to methods of measuring higher ed performance. Professor Pay Up 2.2% Inside Higher Ed Faculty salaries outpace inflation, according to a new AAUP report, which notes many lingering economic challenges. Plus lists of the institutions with the highest salaries. Low Expectations, High Stakes Inside Higher Ed New report sheds light on the oft-ignored adjunctification of community colleges, which may be a barrier to college completion. The STEM Enrollment Boom Inside Higher Ed Since the recession, undergraduate enrollments have gone up dramatically, but primarily in engineering and biology and not at expense of humanities and social sciences, study finds. 'Undermatching' Pros and Cons Inside Higher Ed New study finds both positive and negative results of attending a less competitive college than where one might have enrolled. Social Media Scholarship Inside Higher Ed For international students and structured group settings, social media can be more of a benefit than a distraction, speakers at the American Educational Research Association annual meeting argue. Online at Community Colleges Inside Higher Ed While rate of enrollment growth slows, it is still going up at two-year institutions, even as number of students overall declines at many institutions. MOOC skepticism is evident. Nurses who don't pay taxes orstudent loans could trigger penalties for SNFs, expert says McKnight's Long Term Care News Has Higher Ed Peaked? Inside Higher Ed Bryan Alexander suggests a though experiment on trends that suggest tough times ahead for most colleges and universities. An Open Letter to Parents and Prospective Students Re: Your College Choice Just Visiting Inside Higher Ed Ignore the college tour. Look for other things. W.H. official: More tech key to education Politico...Garg plugged President Barack Obama’s announcement this week of $107 million in grants to teams of high schools, community colleges and nonprofits to redesign curricula to incorporate more hands-on career training as well as internships and mentoring. But he said that program didn’t go far enough: He urged similar programs in colleges and universities as well. Got Student Loans? The Unspoken Burden Of Student Loans North American Press Syndicate Money Monday: Staving off student loan woes Reynolds Center State Debate: From student loans to Glenn Grothman, opinion writers have their say Capital Times The Racine Journal Times says it's time to enact some student loan debt relief 4/8/14 BILLS Apr 03, 2014 3:33 p.m. — Legislation Coming Up H.Con.Res. 96: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024.This resolution has been added to the House’s schedule for the coming week, according to the House Majority Leader. 4/2-4/6/14 NEWS AND BILLS
4/2-4/6/14 NEWS Recent Congressional Action on Student Loans govtrack.us By aviad ED Now Taking Public Comments on Gainful Employment ACCT CAPITOL CONNECTION Tax Reform Proposal Includes Significant Changes for Higher Ed ACCT CAPITOL CONNECTION Program Integrity ‘Negotiated Rulemaking’ Committee Making Headway ACCT CAPITOL CONNECTION Higher Ed Roundup ACCT CAPITOL CONNECTION Save American Workers Act Helps Protect Schools from Flawed Health Care Law House Education and the Workforce Committee - “30-hour rule” will cost educators’ jobs, reduce student services. Harkin, Durbin, Cummings: More Coordination Needed In Federal Oversight of For-Profit College Industry Senate HELP Committee Alexander: “College More Affordable than Most Students Think” Senate HELP Committee Can Free College Save American Cities? Politico - Head of nonprofit American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education sits on the board of directors of Corinthian Colleges. The Huffington Post Peg Lautenschlager: Student loan debt threatens public safety Appleton Post Crescent A For-Profit Past Inside Higher Ed Should serving as the provost of a school that closed amid state investigations disqualify one to lead a community college? Higher Ed Cuts in GOP Budget Inside Higher Ed House Republicans unveil their 2015 budget proposal, which calls for a 10-year freeze on the maximum Pell Grant and would eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Default Data on Parent PLUS Loans Inside Higher Ed DURBIN, HARKIN TAKE AIM AT FOR-PROFITS Politico » New Federal Oversight Proposed for For-Profit Colleges Inside Higher EdI Am Not a Loan! Victims of the Student Loan Crisis Take to Instagram TakePart News Cuomo drops plan to use state money to pay for college classes for inmates. The New York Times Collateral Damage Inside Higher Ed Congress expanded federal student loan default metrics to scrutinize for-profits, but community colleges are worried, too, at least one with good reason. Ten Ways to Make College More Friendly to Veterans[source: hechingerreport.org] Should Payscale’s Earnings Data Be Trusted?[source: washingtonmonthly.com] Higher Education Not Serving National Purpose, Says Cornell Professor[source: theepochtimes.com] CREATING A 'COLLEGE-GOING CULTURE': A survey by the United Negro College Fund's Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute found that 87 percent of all low-income black parents want their children to go to and finish college Advisers legally restricted from providing students with certain loan information UT The Daily Texan Mass. sues Corinthian Colleges over job claims, loans Worcester Telegram Sen. Lamar Alexander wants to move to deregulate higher education. The Hill Higher Ed Cuts in GOP Budget Inside Higher Ed $1 trillion student loan debt widens US wealth gap Alaskajournal.com House Republicans unveil their 2015 budget proposal, which calls for a 10-year freeze on the maximum Pell Grant and would eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities. How Can America Narrow The Widening Skills Gap?[source: forbes.com] "There’s a widening gap in the United States between unemployed individuals and companies in need of work. While many young adults can’t find jobs, many employers say they can’t find enough qualified applicants for filling skilled jobs." Grants vs. Loans Inside Higher Ed Study finds that government grants have a positive impact on the graduation rates of low-income students, but unsubsidized loans counter that impact. Stopping predatory student loans requires a law to force better disclosure, Sen. Sherrod Brown says The Plain Dealer sherrod brown.JPG U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown says too many private education loans have terms unfavorable to the student.Associated Press file. Know Before You Owe' Act Aims To Provide Clear Disclosures For Private Student Loans The Consumerist With many incoming college students unable to afford rising tuition costs, and low-cost federal loans only providing some assistance, private student ... Critics say Elizabeth Warren's student loan figures are off Boston Globe Those profits are key evidence in the Massachusetts Democrat's push to reduce student loan burdens. But they are in fact the subject of fierce debate .. Students moving abroad risk arrest for loan defaulting University World News New Zealanders with student loans now run the risk of arrest if they move overseas and get behind on their loan repayments. From 1 April, the Inland ... Takano has joined the House Education & the Workforce Committee, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced Tuesday night. Takano was a long-time high school teacher and served on the Riverside Community College board of trustees. While relatively new to Congress - he was elected in 2012 - it's clear he wants to delve into education and jobs training issues 4/2-4/6/14 BILLS Mar 31, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1803: Student Loan Borrower Bill of RightsNew Cosponsor: Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH] Apr 01, 2014 3 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4314: To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a student loan repayment program for totally disabled veterans.This bill’s text is now available. Apr 01, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3371: State Loan Access and Student Protection ActNew Cosponsor: Rep. Lloyd Doggett [D-TX35] Apr 01, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013New Cosponsor: Rep. Charles “Charlie” Rangel [D-NY13] Apr 01, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1982: Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014New Cosponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] Apr 01, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 2109: Government Reports Elimination Act of 2014New Cosponsor: Sen. Claire McCaskill [D-MO] Apr 01, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4348: To increase transparency and reduce students’ burdens related to transferring credits between institutions of higher education.Sponsor: Rep. George Miller [D-CA11] Apr 01, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4355: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 B Street in Perryville, Arkansas, as the “Harold George Bennett Post Office”.Sponsor: Rep. Tim Griffin [R-AR2] Apr 03, 2014 — Introduced S. 2204: A bill to establish the Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Committee.Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL] Apr 03, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4391: To establish the Proprietary Education Oversight Coordination Committee.Sponsor: Rep. Elijah Cummings [D-MD7] Apr 04, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013New Cosponsor: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard [D-HI2] New Cosponsor: Rep. Garland “Andy” Barr [R-KY6] New Cosponsor: Rep. Brad Wenstrup [R-OH2] Apr 04, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 4232: Veterans Higher Education Opportunity ActNew Cosponsor: Rep. Eric Swalwell [D-CA15] Apr 04, 2014 — Introduced H.Con.Res. 96: Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024.Sponsor: Rep. Paul Ryan [R-WI1] This resolution was referred to the House Committee on the Budget which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Apr 04, 2014 2:51 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4365: New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2014This bill’s text is now available. Apr 04, 2014 — Passed House H.R. 1874: Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2013Last Action: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 224 - 182 (Roll no. 164). Explanation: This bill passed in the House on April 4, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration. 4/1/14 NEWS
'PBS Newshour' Sizes Up Arne Duncan (Education and the Media) African-American Students Inadequately Prepared for College, Says Study (College Bound) Welders, America Needs You Bloomberg Businessweek “For 20 years we stopped feeding young people into the trades, and now we’re scrambling” Mentors Help Create A Sustainable Pipeline For Women In STEMForbes - Forbes has posted an interview with a key principal in the Million Women Mentors program. When questioned on the initiative progress, Balaji Ganapathy responded: “In the first 8 to 10 weeks, we already have 50,000 people signed up to be mentors and the number grows every day!” Women make up about half of the workforce in America, but they only represent 24% of the workforce in STEM fields. ...untapped potential; talent that we need in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to remain competitive from a global perspective...offer better compensation and more career advancement opportunities. Independence delayed: Millennials rely on parents to cosign loans Los Angeles Times ... new report. More than one-third of parents cosigned student loansfor their millennial children, according to data from Experian Consumer Services. Law School Ends Discounts Inside Higher Ed The University of La Verne College of Law is the latest institution, and perhaps the first law school, to stop offering discounts to the top students it wants to attract. Fitch Rates SLM Student Loan Trust 2014-2 Insurance News Net (press release) Fitch Ratings assigns final ratings to SLM Student Loan Trust 2014-2 as follows:. --$268,000,000 floating rate class A-1 notes' AAAsf'; Outlook Stable;. Need better way to address student loan debt -- Warren J. Gordon Madison.com As an article in Saturday's Business section pointed out, student loandebt, now totaling over $1 trillion, is placing a huge drag on the U.S. economy. Back in Business Inside Higher Ed Maricopa joins a growing number of community colleges in finding new revenue by selling job training to large corporations Stopping a Shortcut to In-State Tuition Inside Higher Ed Two Colorado companies promised to help out-of-state students get in-state tuition. Then the University of Colorado cracked down. Can 'Pay It Forward' Help Solve Student LoanProblems? Forbes With student loan burdens mushrooming into daily talk of a “bubble,” Michigan and Oregon policymakers are looking at a “Pay it Forward” student ... First Marblehead's Bank Subsidiary Completes the Sale of $39.8 Million of Private Student Loans ... MarketWatch BOSTON, MA, Mar 31, 2014 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- The First Marblehead Corporation (NYSE:FMD) today announced that on March 28, 2014 ... IU helps students focus on financial future Indianapolis Star And then there's the dreaded doozy of paying back student loans. Nationwide, student loans have ballooned to more than $1 trillion, sinking tens of ... 3/31/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/31/14 NEWS Law School Ends Discounts Inside Higher Ed La Verne tries a radical approach to pricing. Could it catch on in legal education? OUR OPINION: Student debt load fuels income inequality Kennebec Joural Not if one of them graduated debt-free and other is carrying a hefty burden of student loans. In a decade, the debt-free graduate may have gotten .. Why It's So Hard To Fix The Broken Student LoanIndustry Banker & Tradesman Despite today's low borrowing costs, many gainfully employed college graduates are finding that they cannot refinance student loans taken out under ... Blame Uncle Sam for Sally's loan debt Automotive News The root cause: the federal government getting in the student loanbusiness. As soon as ... Finally, I think it's irresponsible to waivestudent loan debt. RUSA votes to support student organizations RU Daily Targum At the Rutgers University Student Assembly elections next week, students will have ... They chose to work on student loans and the use of student fees Politico What Lending Rules Should Look Like New York Times ... has already issued important regulations governing mortgage transactions and has established new oversight of credit reporting and student loans. 3/30/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/30/14 NEWS COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK Education & the Workforce Committee hearing on “Keeping College within Reach: Meeting the Needs of Contemporary Students” (Wednesday, April 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.) Elizabeth Warren Grills Obama Administration On Sallie Mae Contract - Renewal Reuters Hillary on Higher Ed - Inside Higher Ed Globally and in the U.S., Clinton calls for more focus on those who need postsecondary training but not necessarily a four-year degree. She endorses online education, but with some cautions. How Student Loans Are A Big Drag On The Economy 24/7 Wall St. About 37 million Americans now owe more than $1 trillion on theirstudent loans, with the average household having about $26,000 in debt. Private Student Loan Defaults Continue To Decline ACA International Unemployment rates, while improving, are keeping the loan default rates higher than pre-recession levels. Higher student loan debt and lower ... Grad Student Debt Rising Higher Ed New snapshot shows that borrowers are taking out more loans to pay for their advanced degrees across a range of disciplines. 6abc.com Experts Say Student Loan Debt Contributing to Widening US Wealth Gap NTV The roughly 37 million Americans saddled with $1 trillion in student loan debt may never catch up with wealthy peers who began life after college free ... Senator Suggests Congress Reinstate Student-Loan Limits Wall Street Journal WASHINGTON—The senator overseeing U.S. education policy said Congress should consider reinstating limits on how much graduate students can ... Senator Durbin Statement Following Senate Hearing on Student Loans, March 27, 2014 eNews Park Forest Before 2009, young people with student loan debt were more likely than others to own homes and more likely to have bought a new car. Now, the … Ed Dept. Defends Loan Servicing - Inside Higher Ed Several Senate Democrats had pointed questions for the Education Department over how it oversees the companies that manage student-loan borrowers’ payments. If you need college loans, borrow wisely Omaha World-Herald Seeking out student loans can enable life-changing careers for some young people and maximize the range of higher education choices for many ... 3/30/14 BILLS Mar 28, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Terri Sewell [D-AL7] 3/29/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/29/14 NEWS United States: Gainful Employment Rule And Student Loan Debt Counseling: A Perfect Match? Venable LLP New regulations may open the door to an increased need for independent third-party student loan debt counseling. Ed Dept. Defends Loan Servicing Higher Ed Several Senate Democrats had pointed questions for the Education Department over how it oversees the companies that manage student-loan borrowers’ payments. Class Status Denied in Sallie Mae Loan Suit Courthouse News Service SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - Two California women cannot represent a class accusing Sallie Mae of charging trumped-up late fees onstudent loans, Cost of College is Too High SHU Spectrum A protester holds a ball and chain representing his college loan debt, during a ... Around 70% of students graduate college with debt in student loans. Study names colleges with the best return on investment. FiveThirtyEight:http://53eig.ht/1iANnEx. Experts Say Student Loan Debt Contributing to Widening US Wealth Gap NTV The roughly 37 million Americans saddled with $1 trillion in student loan debt may never catch up with wealthy peers who began life after college free ... Salon $1 Trillion Student Loan Debt Widens US Wealth Gap ABC News Senator Suggests Congress Reinstate Student-Loan Limits Wall Street Journal WASHINGTON—The senator overseeing U.S. education policy said Congress should consider reinstating limits on how much graduate students can Senator Durbin Statement Following Senate Hearing on Student Loans, March 27, 2014 eNews Park Forest Before 2009, young people with student loan debt were more likely than others to own homes and more likely to have bought a new car. Now, the . 3/29/14 BILLS Mar 26, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013New Cosponsor: Rep. David McKinley [R-WV1] Mar 26, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 4232: Veterans Higher Education Opportunity Ac tNew Cosponsor: Rep. Earl Blumenauer [D-OR3] New Cosponsor: Rep. Charles “Charlie” Rangel [D-NY13] New Cosponsor: Rep. David Loebsack [D-IA2] 3/26/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/26/14 NEWS Protecting Private Wealth: Recent Bankruptcy Cases Involving Tuition Payments And Profit Sharing Plans Baker Hostetler Two recent decisions may affect the assets of individuals available to satisfy creditors' claims in bankruptcy. March 25, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has opened the public comment period for the recently released 'Gainful Employment' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The gainful employment proposal is aimed at evaluating vocational programs at community colleges and for-profit institutions based on debt-to-earnings ratios and student loan default rates. An ACCT fact sheet on the proposed regulations may be viewed here: http://goo.gl/S39kKW. The 841-page proposal, as well as a comment submission link may be accessed here: https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-06000. Comments will be accepted through May 27th. Also on the regulatory front, ED will be holding its second meeting of negotiated rulemaking on 'program integrity and improvement' startingtomorrow, March 26th, through Friday. The six regulatory issues being discussed are: clock to credit hour conversion; state authorization for distance or correspondence education; state authorization for foreign locations of U.S. institutions; Title IV cash management (student debit and prepaid cards); and retaking or repeating coursework. Negotiators received draft proposed regulations on these issues last week. Negotiating sessions will continue through late May. Cash management and state authorization regulations could have a significant impact on community colleges. This Thursday at 10 a.m. the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) will hold a hearing related to reauthorization of the Higher Education Act entitled, "Strengthening the Federal Student Loan Program for Borrowers." Additional details regarding the hearing, as well as a live webcast will be posted here: http://goo.gl/2LylQJ. Also, at 2:30 today the HELP Committee will be holding a hearing on teacher preparation. Details regarding that hearing may be viewed here: http://goo.gl/l5pCwN. UNIVERSITIES ON THE PROWL: A two-day conference on the "Globalization of Higher Education" continues today in the Dallas area with an unmistakable theme: It's high time for university presidents to start thinking like entrepreneurs... More than 250 representatives from institutions of higher education around the world are attending the conference. So is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a co-host. And former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped by to talk about her vision for strengthening access to community colleges and vocational schools. POLITICO's Maggie Haberman has more:http://politi.co/1mqTvTB. There's a disconnect between competency-based education programs and standard time-based approaches to disbursing federal student aid, according a new research paper by Stephen Porter of North Carolina State University: http://bit.ly/1dq90IL. Costly college loan? You're stuck with it CNN Master's degree debt jumped 70% since 2004 MarketWatch About 10 million students have earned bachelor's degrees since 2008 but finding jobs relevant to their degrees is taking time. The New York Times:http://nyti.ms/1gleZOn. A Proposal to Radically Simplify Student LoanPayments DailyFinance Five organizations, including the National Association of StudentFinancial Aid ... and automated alternative to the complex system of repaying loans Gainful Employment Rule And Student Loan Debt Counseling: A Perfect Match? Venable LLP New regulations may open the door to an increased need for independent third-party student loan debt counseling. 3/26/14 BILLS Mar 24, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1659: POST Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI] Mar 24, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Devin Nunes [R-CA22] 3/25/14 NEWS
Borrowers of Federal Student Loans to be Aided by Senate HELP Committee MainStreet The March 27 hearing will examine all aspects of the federalstudent loan program, from loan origination, loan counseling, repayment options and the ... Hillary on Higher Ed Inside Higher Ed Globally and in the U.S., Clinton calls for more focus on those who need postsecondary training but not necessarily a four-year degree. She endorses online education, but with some cautions. » Education Dept. Publishes New Rules on Gainful Employment Inside Higher Ed Should Schools Be More Accountable for Student Loan Cost? Huffington Post The Department of Education is proposing new rules tomorrowthat would make for-profit colleges, universities and schools be more responsible for .. Should Student Loan Holders Be Able to Refinance? National Journal Student debt is treated as a different animal than other kinds of debt, including home mortgages. About 90 percent of student loans are held by our .. Petitioning Student Loan Servicers to Account for Cost of Living Huffington Post Grad Students Driving the Growing Debt Burden Wall Street Journal A Proposal to Radically Simplify Student LoanPayments Businessweek Older Borrowers Have Higher Credit Scores Mortgage Daily 3/24/14 NEWS AND BILLS 3/24/14 NEWS » New Data on Student Veterans' College Outcomes under New G.I. Bill Inside Higher Ed 'BRIGHT FUTURES' BEGS QUESTIONS: Politico The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has reignited an investigation into Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program, the Miami Herald reports. NEW LOAN SERVICER SURVEY RESULTS OUT: Politico The latest rankings of federal student loan servicers for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2013, show Sallie Mae generally ranked poorly in customer satisfaction. Nelnet did the worst, however, in a survey of federal employees. The quarterly report also captures how servicers did with default prevention. A little more than half of veterans who got college money under the GI Bill since 2009 eventually graduated. Associated Press:http://bo.st/1mpPxKW. What Does the New CFPB Ruling Mean for My Student Loan Debt? Motley Fool-How do student loans fit into the picture? Well, according to the CFPB, student loandebt is the nation's second largest consumer debt market. Holding for-profit colleges accountable Los Angeles Times The administration isn't trying to close the schools but rather to make the best use of federal student aid. About $26 billion instudent loans and $10 ... Free science fictional graphic novel about the student debt conspiracy Boing Boing Free science fictional graphic novel about the student debt conspiracy ... college grad, Joseph Doakes, defaults on over $100k instudent loans,". Student loan payoff calculated Stockton Record using GradSense.org salary to debt calculator How to Weigh Student-Aid Offers Wall Street Journal "The largest aid offer might not be the least-expensive option for a student," ... After work-study, opt for federal student loans, Broomfield student part of effort to pay it forward while paying down debt Broomfield Enterprise-Zero Bound, a national crowdfunding organization that asks communities to support students as they pay down student loandebt through volunteer ... Paying for College: 5 Things Every Family Should Know NASDAQ 3/25/14 BILLS Mar 20, 2014 4:46 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4219: Voluntary Certification Program Act of 2014 This bill’s text is now available. Mar 21, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4282: To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants for graduate medical education partnerships in States with a low ratio of medical residents relative to the general population. Sponsor: Rep. Kathy Castor [D-FL14] Mar 21, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4280: To preserve knowledge and promote education about jazz in the United States and abroad. Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers [D-MI13] 3/23/14 NEWS
EDUCATION: For-profit colleges accused of coercing students into costly loans Press-Enterprise The federal government claims that ITT Technical coerced its students into high-interest private loans by threatening to withhold their transcripts or ... Proposal Sets Stage for Gainful Fight Inside Higher Ed The Obama administration’s unveiling Friday of a proposed set of rules on for-profit colleges tees up several months of contentious debate and lively lobbying. A First Step Inside Higher Ed Representative Mark Takano writes that the administration's new proposals are positive, but don't go far enough in cracking down on poorly performing for-profit colleges. Report highlights need for student loan repayment reform The Ripon Advance “I've long believed the current federal student loan repayment system is far too complicated and confusing for borrowers,” Petri said. “This report ... Endowment Decisions Inside Higher Ed Some colleges are abandoning market-based spending policies so they can plan for the future. The University of the South recently joined the group, saying the endowment spending policy most used in American higher education is unnecessarily severe. If For-Profits Vanished Inside Higher Ed Income divide in four year colleges vs. community college The Daily Tar Heel, by Eric Garcia Closing the Jobs Gap The Hamilton Project Student debt affects more than imagined FIUSM Financial aid resources help students get ahead on college loans nwitimes.com Starting All Over Again Inside Higher Ed Community college students who transfer to a four-year institution have good odds of earning a bachelor's degree, new research finds, unless they lose credits in the transfer process. Student Loans I: Yes, Something Is Wrong Inside Higher Ed Student loan debt and defaults are real problems -- but let's impose solutions that improve access for low-income students rather than scare them off, Karen Gross argues. Student Loans II: How Much Default? Inside Higher Ed The appropriate level of student loan debt and default for a college's graduates depends heavily on an institution's students and mission, write Jacob Gross and Nicholas Hillman. 3/22/14 BILLS AND NEWS
3/22/14 BILLS Mar 20, 2014 9:46 p.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4236: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Truth in Lending Act to clarify the application of prepayment amounts on student loans.This bill’s text is now available. 3/22/14 NEWS Google hangout with CFPB, Student Debt Crisis, and Young Invincibles for Top 5 Tips for Tackling Your Student Debt on Tues., March 25 at 5pm EST. Go here to register. Student loan debt seen as 'major' issue for young people as elections approach Central Michigan Life Vital Signs: Housing Demand Meets Rising Rates – and Student Loans Wall Street Journal (blog) The NAR says student-loan debt is also becoming a challenge for younger adults who might like to buy a home For-profit colleges accused of coercing students into costly loans Press-Enterprise ITT Technical Institute… Senators: DOD Has Improved Educational Program For Servicemembers And Veterans NASFAA A Loan Program Simplification That Could Drastically Lower Default Rates And Help Struggling Borrowers NASFAA Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) NASFAA New NASFAA White Paper: Burdensome Reporting Requirements May Harm Students NASFAA 3/21/14 BILLS AND NEWS
3/21/14 BILLS Mar 18, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3892: Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Beto O'Rourke [D-TX16] Mar 19, 2014 2:51 a.m. — Bill Text S. 2109: A bill to eliminate duplicative, outdated, or unnecessary Congressionally mandated Federal agency reporting. This bill’s text is now available. Mar 20, 2014 9:47 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4232: Veterans Higher Education Opportunity ActThis bill’s text is now available. 3/21/14 NEWS Obama’s Budget Proposal and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Equal Justice Works INCOME-BASED REPAYMENT FOR ALL The paper from Young Invincibles, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the New America Foundation and HCM Strategists Student Loan Forms Are Still a Nightmare TIME Jon Elswick—AP ... NY Launches Website on Student Loans Diverse: Issues in Higher Education ALBANY, N.Y., Jon Elswick—AP Franks' bill takes aim at student loan debt Northwest Herald - Franks is joined by other economists and experts who predict that outstanding student loan debt could be front and center of the next financial crisis Why Most Student Loan Debt Advice is Bad or Just Wrong Huffington Post Secondary Sources: Fed Meetings and Asset Prices, Student Loans, Economic Pessimism Wall Street Journal (blog) Card Debt Declines; Auto and Student Loans Rise Collections & Credit Risk Amendment for state-backed student loans advances Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Private Student Loan Defaults to Decline Further in 2014: Moody's American Banker Which jobs or careers in the US provide higher salaries for people who feel less inclined to go to college? Quora Digest CREDITS COULD BE GAME-CHANGER FOR TRANSFERS: The ability to transfer credits from a community college to a four-year institution could be a big factor in whether transfer students graduate How the cost of college went from affordable to sky high. NPR Refinancing Outstanding Student Loans: Not as Progressive as it Seems Brookings Institution (blog) Students should question the risk, terms of dangerous private loans UT The Daily Texan CommonBond Expands Student Loan Refinancing To Over 100 Graduate Programs DigitalJournal.com POSSE PAYS TUITION FOR HUNDREDS: The Posse Foundation is sending 660 students from the class of 2014 to college tuition-free with $108 million in scholarships, 3/17/14 BILLS AND NEWS
3/17/14 BILLS Mar 14, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4259: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to lower the cost of college education by establishing pilot programs to expand student access to digital course materials.Sponsor: Rep. Suzan DelBene [D-WA1] Mar 14, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013New Cosponsor: Rep. Corrine Brown [D-FL5] New Cosponsor: Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL20] New Cosponsor: Rep. Joe Wilson [R-SC2] 3/17/14 NEWS Defusing the Student Loan Debt Time Bomb by SLJ member, Danielle Butler for The Dailyleader.com Fitch Rates PHEAA Student Loan Trust 2014-1 The Herald | HeraldOnline.com (press release) High Collateral Quality: The trust collateral is comprised of Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans, with guaranties provided by ... DOE proposing stricter guidelines on for-profits Clinton Herald In the case of Ashford and parent company Bridgepoint Education, this means student loan repayments should not exceed 8 percent of total income. Obama administration proposal targets for-profit colleges over student debtFox News Gainful Employment Proposal harlestonchronicle.net The Obama Administration announced today new steps to address growing concerns about burdensome student loan debt by requiring career 3/16/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/16/14 BILLS Mar 13, 2014 — Introduced S. 2143: A bill to increase access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs to help create jobs. Sponsor: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen [D-NH] Mar 13, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4236: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Truth in Lending Act to clarify the application of prepayment amounts on student loans. Sponsor: Rep. Susan Davis [D-CA53] Mar 13, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4248: To require institutions of higher education to disseminate information with respect to the completion rates, employment rates, and retention rates of recipients of GI Bill funding. Sponsor: Rep. Mark Takano [D-CA41] Mar 13, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4232: To clarify the cancellation of loans of members of the Armed Forces under the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Sponsor: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard [D-HI2] 3/16/14 NEWS College-cost bubble ready to pop? U-T San Diego Protestors walk the sidewalks in downtown San Diego by the Federal courthouse to protest the increase in federal subsidized Stafford student loans … THE HIGHER ED MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR: The Obama administration is moving forward with a bold regulatory proposal that could shutter hundreds of degree programs that fail to place their graduates in well-paying jobs, leaving them bogged down by debt and few marketable skills. As many as 1 million students could be affected - Politico At least 32 states are working together to investigate for-profit colleges, and 14 of those have already filed subpoenas for information and several more are working independently on similar cases. More from the Hechinger Report: http://bit.ly/1kiEfFa. Politico A new way to tackle the student debt crisis - Kansas City Star A new way to tackle the student debt crisisKansas City Star. The key component of GradSense is an interactive debt-to-salary calculator, which is at www.gradsense.org. NY launches website on student loans WIVB ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York financial regulators have launched a website intended to help college students sort out loan options. The Department of Financial Services website — http://www.dfs.ny.gov/studentprotection House Education and the Workforce Committee New Report Confirms Education Department Failures in Student Loan Rehabilitation WASHINGTON, D.C. | March 12, 2014 Why We Need College Ratings - Inside Higher Ed We must give students and families the right kind of information -- about multiple factors, and not blended into a single institutional rating -- about one of the most expensive purchases they will ever make, writes Carrie Warick. 3 Things High School Students Should Know About College By Matthew Lynch Education Week My New American Dream: To Afford Food After theStudent Loan Bill Is Paid Huffington Post Bankruptcies Should Cover Student Loans, Too - Hartford Courant Bankruptcies Should Cover Student Loans, TooHartford CourantAllowing student loan debt to be discharged under bankruptcy laws, as recently advocated by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, is a matter of fairness. Currently, student loans are not dischargeable. Many people oppose the senator's proposal because they think ... N.Y. Governor Says College For Inmates Will Pay Off For Taxpayers Andrew Cuomo says funding prison college classes will cut recidivism rates. But critics say it's unfair to pay for prisoners' educations while middle-class families struggle with college costs. 'It's Really A Miracle:' Anonymous Hedge Funder Pays Off Family's Student Loan ... - Huffington Post Huffington Post Student loan debt is increasingly becoming more of a burden for families than other forms of household debt, the Washington Post After Hiatus, Student Loan Refinancing Re-Emerges - Fox Business As the country's outstanding student-loan debt tops $1 trillion, financial institutions are increasingly offering borrowers the chance to reduce their interest The Upshot of the Latest U.S. News Law School Rankings U.S. News & World Report’s latest law-school rankings are out -- a moment of both dread and joy for the legal academy's deans. White House targets for-profit colleges over student debt CBS News WASHINGTON-- The Obama administration is proposing new rules designed to protect students at for-profit colleges from amassing huge debt they can't pay off Student Loan Interest: Compounding the Problem - Forbes My New American Dream: To Afford Medical Costs After theStudent Loan Bill Is ... Huffington Post 3/14/14 NEWS Obama cracks down on for-profit colleges Caitlin Emma and Stephanie Simon, Politico The administration frames its rule as a bold step to protect students from predatory institutions. College Prep: Student loan interest not always deductible Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Simply put, if you are filing single and make less than $60,000, you're in the clear and can deduct 100 percent of your student loan interest. However… Group Shines Light on State Disinvestment - Inside Higher Ed Grading states' support for higher education, an advocacy group for students makes the case that legislators and governors are responsible for rising public college tuitions. Appeals Court Reinstates Suit Against Lenders- Inside Higher Ed Davis bill to facilitate paying offstudent loans San Diego Jewish World WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) – Being able to pay extra on a student loan can provide peace of mind that a financial burden is shrinking faster ... New Bill Could Help Teachers WithStudent Loan Debt WBIW.com (STATEHOUSE) - A bill that could help some Indiana teachers pay back part of their college student loans is on its way to Governor Pence's desk For profit college accused of coercing students into costly loans OCRegister Those employees, who were paid based in part on how manystudents took out the loans, threatened to withhold somestudents' transcripts or expel ... Altering Student Loan Repayment Schedules Tri States Public Radio Many student loans require payment to begin six months after graduation, regardless of whether the graduate is employed. 3/13/14 NEWS AND BILLS
3/13/14 NEWS STUDENT LOANS GET STICKY: House Education & the Workforce subcommittee members grilled Federal Student Aid COO James RuncieWednesday afternoon following the release of a GAO report highlighting "serious weaknesses" in the Education Department's handling of the student loan rehabilitation process. Some states are considering free tuition at community colleges as the costs of education climb. Stateline American Indians Lag Other Graduates in College Readiness, ACT Says (Learning the Language) Student Loan Borrowers Win As Education Department Reverses Course Shahien Nasiripour [email protected] with federal student loans may now access the U.S. government's latest rankings of loan specialists after the Department of Education on Tuesday abruptly reversed its temporary ban on providing customer service scores. Fitch Maintains Rating Watch Negative on SLMStudent Loan Trust 2013-2 Senior Notes Fort Mills Times Sallie Mae: Don't forget to claim college tax credits and deductions Wall St. Journal The man who keeps Harry Reid up at night By JON RALSTON - Politico Zweifel: Student debt becomes a drag on the economy Chippewa Herald Attention College Students and Parents: Here's How to Apply for Federal Financial Assistance! Chicago Tribune lower-interest federal student loans and loans for parents. Here is a closer look at the basics of filing the FAFSA to help you avoid some common Debt Management Disarray - Inside Higher Ed The Education Department's oversight of its debt management system has been lacking, say Congressional investigators and the agency's own inspector general. Congressional Aide Will Lead Private Lender Group - Inside Higher Ed Standing Up to 'Accreditation Shopping' July 1, 2010 Scott Jaschik - Inside Higher Ed Critics of for-profit higher education have of late drawn attention to what they see as a pattern of "accreditation shopping" in which for-profit entities purchase financially struggling nonprofit colleges, and then hold on to the regional accreditation that the nonprofit colleges had for years, even as the new owners expand or radically change the institutions' missions. Why We Need College Ratings - Inside Higher Ed StudentDebtCrisis.org wants you to know there is help out there: 1. If you are a new borrower, or you’re considering taking out student loans, check out the CFPB tool for New Borrowers - Paying for College. 2. If you already have student debt, use this tool for Existing Borrowers Repaying Student Debt. 3. Suffering in Student Loan Default? What are your rights as a defaulted borrower? Click here to find out. 4. If you are having trouble with your lender, or feel that something illegal has taken place regarding your student loan - Submit a complaint to the CFPB. 5. For general inquiries, check out the CFPB’s Q & A section Ask CFPB. 3/13/14 BILLS Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 2172: Educator Preparation Reform Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Ben Luján [D-NM3] Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1156: Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen [D-NH] Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1659: POST Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. Christopher Murphy [D-CT] Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1803: Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights New Cosponsor: Sen. Christopher Murphy [D-CT] Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Keith Rothfus [R-PA12] Mar 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3939: Invest in United States Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS2] Mar 11, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4207: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to allow the Secretary of Education to award job training Federal Pell Grants. Sponsor: Rep. Cedric Richmond [D-LA2] Mar 11, 2014 — Introduced S. 2108: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage teachers to pursue teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects at elementary and secondary schools. Sponsor: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand [D-NY] Mar 11, 2014 — Introduced S. 2107: A bill to increase students’ and borrowers’ access to student loan information within the National Student Loan Data System, and to encourage improved outreach to and communication with borrowers. Sponsor: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen [D-NH] Mar 12, 2014 4:47 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 4159: America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2014 This bill’s text is now available. Mar 12, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1803: Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights New Cosponsor: Sen. Richard Blumenthal [D-CT] Mar 12, 2014 — Introduced S. 2116: A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with Indian tribes, to make grants, competitive grants, and special research grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and other contracting instruments with, eligible entities Sponsor: Sen. Martin Heinrich [D-NM] 3/12/14 NEWS
Flashback!!! In December 2012, the Education Department's Office of Inspector General found that nearly $1.1 billion in defaulted student loans were essentially stuck. A debt management collection system, created through a contract with Xerox, was supposed to transfer defaulted student loan accounts to the appropriate collection agencies. But inadequate testing of the system led to big problems and more than 190,390 loans were affected!!! Problem still not fixed - several loan servicers involved!! That OIG report: http://1.usa.gov/1fSrdif. Net Price of College Rises More for Low-Income Than Wealthy Students A new analysis of federal net price data shows that colleges have recently raised the cost of attendance on average more for low-income than high-income students. (College Bound) One Sip at a Time: Wine Biz Students Team with Wine Company, Oliver's Market to "Stomp Out Student Loans Debt">PRWEB.COM Newswire - Rohnert Park, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2014 - Digital Journal It is a unique twist on cause marketing. Terra FOSSIL Wines approached the Wine Business Institute of Sonoma State University to request student involvement in their new "Stomp Out Student Loans" campaign. ‘Higher Ed, Not Debt’ has put put together this survey to help inform policy solutions for those with existing student debt, as well as programs to provide the most appropriate information for the next generation of college students when choosing their school. Will you help by taking this 5-minute survey? We'll use the results to give input for The Department of Education’s new metrics system and additional higher education reforms. Elizabeth Warren: Tax millionaires to refinance student debt Deseret News “We take in billions of dollars of profits for student loans, but permit billionaires to have enough loopholes that they pay at tax rates that can be lower … Mentally unstable lawyer discharges $82,000 of students loans - By Atty. Larry Yang Published: March 12, 2014 - Asian Journal - An adversary complaint must be filed by debtor to determine if the student loans are dischargeable. The 3-prong test of in Re Bruenner must be … Idaho considers student loan repayment plan to entice psychiatrists to rural state hospitals Daily Journal BOISE, Idaho — Idaho is considering a student loan repayment program to draw highly trained psychiatrists to a pair of rural state hospitals. Another Push for Debit Card Rules - Inside Higher Ed Department of Education’s inspector general joins other federal investigators in calling for stricter rules on campus debit cards, as the agency contemplates new regulations on the products. Average student debt difficult to pay off, delays life milestones CBC.ca Expanding Definitions of Career Readiness For some students, high-quality career and technical education offers a better fit and future than preparation for college, Jean Evans Davila writes. (Education Week) 3/11/14 NEWS LETTER: SEEKING ANSWERS ON LOAN SERVICERS: The National Consumer Law Center last week wrote to James Runcie at the Education Department and Rohit Chopra at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, flagging potential abuses in the department's new loan consolidation servicer choice system... They want the agencies to respond by making performance information about servicers easier to find and up to date. Today, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) is introducing the "Simplifying Access to Student Loan Information Act," which would amend the Higher Education Act by calling for the development of a central online portal that would allow students to review all their public and private student loans and repayment options in one place in an effort to help students better understand and repay their debt. The bill: http://politico.pro/1ememPV. ***MEDIA ADVISORY*** House Education and the Workforce Committee to Host Field Hearings in Nevada and Arizona TOMORROW: Wednesday, March 12 Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training hearing at2:30 p.m. in room 2175 Rayburn House Office Building on "Examining the Mismanagement of the Student Loan Rehabilitation Process." Witnesses to be announced. **View a Live Webcast of the Hearing** Tuition tax credits and other tax breaks to offset the cost of higher education disproportionately benefit more affluent Americans http://edworkforcehouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?event_id=16ans. Hechinger Report and Dallas Morning News: http://bit.ly/1ejho7x. Read more here:http://bit.ly/PiNiLZ "Changing Student Pathways" is a collection of news articles and essays about the different paths students take (including some detours) on the way to a college degree or certificate. - Inside Higher Ed March 19 -- Free webinar from Inceptia on reducing stress in the financial aid office. Click for information or to register. - Inside Higher Ed April 1 – Free webinar from Pearson: Assessing College & Career Readiness: A More Holistic Approach. Click for information or to register. - Inside Higher Ed Student Loan Borrowers Assistance Problems with Servicer Choice and The New Direct Loan Consolidation System Posted: 10 Mar 2014 Is student debt, not slacker lifestyle, why millennials don't buy real estate? Madison.com But new research suggests even those who might want to buy a home or condo can't because of unpaid student loans. REPORT: LOBBYING KEEPS DATA DOWN: College Blackout is a problem...keeping data usage from reaching its potential for helping students... students would better know where to go to college, which program suits them and how best to spend their money.. Student Loan Borrowers Assistance Problems with Servicer Choice and The New Direct Loan Consolidation System Posted: 10 Mar 2014 Paying It Forward - Inside Higher Ed College students are leading the charge for bitcoin in higher education, with charitable and entrepreneurial efforts topping their lists. Progressive Push on Debt - Inside Higher Ed A new campaign is focused on refinancing existing student debt, pushing states to reinvest in higher education, and seeking to hold colleges more accountability for tuition costs. Ratings Strategy With a Cost? - Inside Higher Ed One university says it has already begun denying admission to “risky” applicants over fears of how it would be rated under the Obama ratings proposal. » Lawmaker Praises Colleges’ Changes to Financial Aid Sites 3/11/14 BILLS GOOD NEWS!!!!!! Mar 10, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3892: Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. John Tierney [D-MA6] 3/9/14 BILLS AND NEWS
3/9/14 NEWS Education and the Workforce Committee, for 3/5/14 Government Watchdog Issues Latest Report on Broken Job Training System - discusses SKILLS ACT towards the end Student loan change will 'create fear' 3News NZ The union representing students' associations says new legislation targeting those with student loans living overseas promotes a culture of fear. CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU RECOVERS MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR SERVICEMEMBERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES - Student loans: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)... How To Fix the Student Loan Bubble—and Banking, Too TIME Senate committee moves amendment for student loans San Francisco Chronicle JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Senate State Affairs Committee has advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow state backing on ... Can I Take Advantage of the Student Loan Interest Tax Deduction? Huffington Post For those of us in the early part of our financial life-cycles, the little things can make a big difference. This is especially true for student loan borrowers ... -Concerns about the costs of attending college are influencing incoming freshmen more than ever, a new survey shows. Inside Higher Ed:http://bit.ly/1oth9vu. It's time to keep student loan lenders honest The Daily Tar Heel State representative calls on Republicans to act onstudent debt legislation Madison.com Wright coauthored the Higher Ed Lower Debt bill, which would allow students to refinance loans at lower interest rates US consumer borrowing rose $13.7 billion in January, aided by auto and student loan gains Bayoubuzz Campaign to Address the Student Loan Crisis LaunchesGeorge Zornick on March 6, 2014 - Elizabeth Warren speaks - #HigherEdNotDebt Manhattan Moment: Federal student loan programs need greater oversight Washington Examiner 3/10/14 BILLS Mar 05, 2014 — Introduced S. 2079: A bill to establish a pilot program to hire individuals with alternative educational experience.Sponsor: Sen. Marco Rubio [R-FL] H.R. 4150: To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Labor to enter into a contract for the conduct of a longitudinal study of the job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans provided by the Secretary, and for othSponsor: Rep. Paul Cook [R-CA8] H.R. 4149: To amend the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep. Julia Brownley [D-CA26] H.R. 4151: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a survey of individuals who have use or are using their entitlement to educational assistance under the educational assistance programsSponsor: Rep. Gus Bilirakis [R-FL12] Mar 06, 2014 — Introduced S. 2091: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processing by the Department of Veterans Affairs of claims for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Sen. Dean Heller [R-NV] H.R. 4184: To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the manner in which an advance payment of initial educational assistance paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is charged against the entitlement of a veteran to such assistance.Sponsor: Rep. Dina Titus [D-NV1] 3/5/14 NEWS
Tips about student loans News-Democrat & Leader Many students find that they must use loans to help pay for a higher education, especially if they're working on a four-year degree. These tips from the ... Senate panel OKs bill to rein in student-loan garnishment Salt Lake Tribune A Senate committee advanced a bill to limit garnishment of wages for student loans. SB170 would cap garnishment at 15 percent of disposable ... The long-term impact of student-loan debt MycentralJersey.com A whopping 40 million Americans owe an even more whopping $1.2 trillion in student-loan debt. The amount surpasses every other type of household . Student Groups Push For Changes To Fight Student Loan Debt NBC4i.com COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's college students are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for their education, and with that comes skyrocketing student loan ... 3/4/14 NEWS Shahien Nasiripour [email protected] Elizabeth Warren: Sallie Mae May Be Hurting Borrowers, Taxpayers Posted: 02/25/2014 10:18 pm EST Tax Breaks for Students Inside Higher Ed President Obama will seek to make a tuition tax credit permanent and exempt student loan debt forgiveness from taxation. Student Loans Entice Borrowers More for Cash Than a Degree Wall Street Journal But borrowing thousands in low-rate student loans—which cover tuition, textbooks and a vague category known as living expenses Student Loans: The New Intro to Economics Wall Street Journal (blog) The rise in student-loan debt hasn't been just about books and credits Student Loans Used for More Than School Wall Street Journal Fitch to Rate Nelnet Student Loan Trust 2014-2; Issues Presale KTAR.com High Collateral Quality: The trust collateral consists of 100% Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans, including approximately 25% of … 4 Types of Federal Student Loans to Consider Kiplinger Personal Finance These federal student loans are for undergraduate and graduate students with high financial need. The interest rate is a fixed 5%, and undergraduates .. Status updates for legislation pertaining to studentwelfare, interests Dailybarometer House Bill 4097, regarding student loan interest rates, is also currently ensconced in committee, though its motion to move forward failed to pass. Ryan & Maniskas, LLP Announces Investigation of ITT Educational Services Inc. MarketWatch This loan typically had to be paid in full at the end of the student'sfirst academic year. But ITT Educational knew from the outset that many students … 3/3/14 BILLS AND NEWS 3/3/14 BILLS Feb 25, 2014 — Passed House H.R. 1232: Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act Feb 26, 2014 — New Cosponsors S. 1982: Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Sen. Tammy Baldwin [D-WI] New Cosponsor: Sen. Timothy Kaine [D-VA] — Introduced H.R. 4092: To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as the lead Federal agency for coordinating Federal, State, and local assistance provided to promote the energy retrofitting of sc Sponsor: Rep. Matthew Cartwright [D-PA17] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. 2/2//14 HR3892 made #11 on POPVOX this week! Feb 27, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 1979: Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Katherine Clark [D-MA5] Feb 27, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 3892: Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Julia Brownley [D-CA26] Feb 27, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 3921: IN STATE Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Rep. John Lewis [D-GA5] New Cosponsor: Rep. Beto O'Rourke [D-TX16] 3/3/14 NEWS EDUCATION IN TAX REFORM Politico WHAT HAPPENED TO PUBLIC COLLEGES? Higher ed has transitioned from "a key national priority to an increasingly neglected special interest" - and the Chronicle of Higher Education traces how it got there: http://bit.ly/ORNwK0. ‘Generation Study Abroad’ Inside Higher Ed More than 150 universities sign on to initiative to double the number of Americans who study abroad. The main barriers involve cost, curriculum and culture. --The American Enterprise Institute looks at income-share agreements, human capital contracts where students agree to pay back a portion of their income in exchange for having their education financed, and recommends several congressional changes to add legal clarity. http://bit.ly/1kl6RwW. Politico The Enrollment Slowdown Inside Higher Ed Federal projections show college enrollment rising by 14 percent through 2022 -- about a third the pace of the past decade, but still aggressive given the declining number of traditional college-age Americans. Customer Mentality Inside Higher Ed The idea of "students as consumers" continues to grow, and to erode key values in higher education, writes Nate Kreuter. - At least one university says it has already begun denying admission to "risky" applicants over fears of how it would be rated under the Obama ratings proposal. Inside Higher Ed: http://bit.ly/1fBwZyP. Indiana House approves measure to help science, mathematics teachers pay student loans The Republic With $500K In The Bank, Credible Launches A Kayak-Style Marketplace To Simplify Student Loan RefinancingPosted Feb 28, 2014 by Rip Empson (@ripemp) Agencies to Report on Student Loan Reimbursements FEDweek OPM has told agencies to report by March 31 on their use ofstudent loan reimbursement authority in calendar year 2013. Required information ... ITT Tech lawsuit spotlights massive loan costs New fund pays tuition for undocumented students Politico Taking risk, credit unions push student loans Boston Globe Student Loan Debt $1 Trillion and Could Impact Economy Guardian Liberty Voice Student loans are hurting entire economy, Time magazine says The Huntsville Times - al.com Americans owe $1.2 trillion in student loan debt according to Forbes, crippling many arenas of potential economic growth. Federal legislation hopes to add consumer protections to student loans The Daily Tar Heel How to Graduate College Debt Free! (Infographic) Business 2 Community Now it's the norm to take out exorbitant student loans just to get through a few semesters, and often times these loans follow students 2/27/14 NEWS - obviously the big news is CFPB vs ITT! ITT Educational sued by feds overstudent loans Chicago Sun-Times CFPB vs. ITT - Inside Higher Ed Consumer protection bureau's first action against a for-profit college signals how aggressively the watchdog agency plans to use its enforcement powers in the industry .For-profit college chain ITT sued over student loans CBS News US.. consumer bureau sues college chain ITT overstudent loans Reuters UPDATE 1-US consumer bureau sues college chain ITT over student loans Reuters >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Tax Bill Cometh - Inside Higher Ed House Republicans' vision for tax reform would consolidate tuition tax breaks into a single, more refundable credit -- but end benefits for student borrowers, repeal deduction for those who purchase football tickets, and tax the cherished tuition remission for college employees. Customer Mentality - Inside Higher Ed The idea of "students as consumers" continues to grow, and to erode key values in higher education, writes Nate Kreuter. vvvv NO PUN INTENDED, NEXT ENTRY vvvvv Linden Library to host program on shopping for student loans Suburban News NJ ONLY Two state bills propose tax breaks for student loan debt Diamondback Online AL ONLY SALT program helps dissolve student loans Quinnipiac Chronicle (CT) Lassa: 'Higher Ed, Lower Debt' law will help fix student loan debt crisis (column) Wausau Daily Herald WISCONSIN ONLY 2/26/14 BILLS/NEWS for the WEEK! BILLS! POPVOX WEEKLY ROUNDUP 2/14-2/20 - GUESS WHAT MADE NUMBER ONE??!!! #1 Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act (HR 3892) To establish student loan borrowers’ rights to basic consumer protections, reasonable and flexible repayment options, access to earned credentials, and effective loan cancellation in exchange for public service. https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr3892 152 Support | 60 Oppose The Senate version of the bill, S 1803, was introduced in December 2013 Senate Democrats will work on a veterans benefits bill: The Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits Pay Restoration Act (S 1982)- https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/s1982 According to Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), it's "the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation to be offered in decades." It would:
Feb 25, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 2172: Educator Preparation Reform Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Raúl Grijalva [D-AZ3] Feb 25, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 15: Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Cedric Richmond [D-LA2] Feb 25, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1659: POST Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Sen. Elizabeth Warren [D-MA] Feb 25, 2014 — New Cosponsors H.R. 3921: IN STATE Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Rep. Gwen Moore [D-WI4] New Cosponsor: Rep. Tony Cárdenas [D-CA29] New Cosponsor: Rep. Denny Heck [D-WA10] S. 1982: Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Sen. Alan “Al” Franken [D-MN] New Cosponsor: Sen. John Walsh [D-MT] New Cosponsor: Sen. Charles “Chuck” Schumer [D-NY] New Cosponsor: Sen. Edward “Ed” Markey [D-MA] New Cosponsor: Sen. Chris Coons [D-DE] Feb 25, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4087: To amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide grants to States for summer employment programs for youth .Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Kildee [D-MI5] Feb 25, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 4081: To prohibit funds made available to the Department of Education or the Department of Justice from being used to provide postsecondary courses in prisons .Sponsor: Rep. Chris Collins [R-NY27] Feb 24, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1066: Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act New Cosponsor: Sen. Mark Begich [D-AK] 2014 state legislative sessions: Bills OSU students should monitor Dailybarometer 2014 state legislative sessions: Bills OSU students should monitor ... with third-party financial firms to facilitate student loans unless transparency ... NEWS FOR THE WEEK: Sallie Mae Faces Multistate Probe - Analyst Blog NASDAQ SLM Corporation ( SLM ) - also known as Sallie Mae - is being investigated by a coalition of state prosecutors related to its student loanpractices. Student lender Sallie Mae coins name Navient for new loan servicing company to be split off The Republic NEWARK, Delaware — Sallie Mae has coined the name Navient for the new loan management and servicing company it plans to split off this spring. Lesser-Known Deductions Dallas Morning News (blog) Interest paid on student loans is deductible as an adjustment to gross income – up to $2,500 per year for as many years as it takes to repay the loan. Elizabeth Davies on student loans, tax codes, being punished for having 2 sources of income and ...Interest.co.nz Rahul targets 10 crore new voters: Congress devises sop-based strategy to impress first-timers Daily Mail Student loans and unemployment allowance are among various sops that the Congress is considering for the youth, as part of its plan to win over 10 ... Drowning in student debt? Maybe you can refinance CNBC.com Citizens Bank offers student loan refinance programs Holbrook Sun The trillion-dollar student loan bubble By Fred Goldstein on February 21, 2014 Worker's World Have You Dealt with a Student Loan Debt Collector? Tell CFPB AFL-CIO NOW 02/21/2014 Mike Hall CFPB SUES ITT!!!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>Prepared Remarks of Richard Cordray<<<<Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ITT Enforcement Action Press Conference Washington, D.C. February 26, 2014 - “... some lenders made money by setting up borrowers to fail with mortgages they could not afford. Recently, we are finding some of those same mismatched incentives when it comes to the for-profit college market, which saw huge gains in the lead-up to the financial crisis, with enrollment more than tripling between 1998 and 2008…we are looking at a wide range of the risks facing students.. we are taking our first public enforcement action against a for-profit college. We have filed a lawsuit against ITT Educational Services..Moving forward, the Consumer Bureau will subject the financial products and services offered by for-profit colleges and their partners to the same standards as any other consumer financial product or service. Consumers need to know what they are paying for and they need accurate and transparent terms. Unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices will not be tolerated...” SEE THE REST OF THIS STORY AT http://reformstudentloansnow.weebly.com/action-blog.html Student Loan Market Headed for Crisis, CFPB Warns by RACHEL WITKOWSKI NOV 18, 2013 4:35pm ET AMERICAN BANKER Let the Rule Making Begin - Inside Higher Ed Education Department kicks off months-long negotiating process to hammer out new rules on PLUS loans, state authorization, and campus debit cards, among other issues. (We’ll be looking for requests for our input) Taking the Direct Path? Inside Higher Ed. Competency-based education is gaining steam, but questions remain about which forms the U.S. Department of Education will back. “College aid for immigrant students wins Legislature’s OK,” writes the Seattle Times’ Andrew Barber. An Innovation Stifler? Inside Higher Ed. An accrediting agency just approved a free, online university with a largely volunteer faculty. Is accreditation really the squelcher of experimentation it is made out to be? Ready or Not Inside Higher Ed. New surveys reveal big disparities in how business leaders and the public view higher education and graduates' work force readiness, with some surprising results. Risk Management Inside Higher Ed. The U.S. Education Department must do more to prevent financial aid fraud in distance education, a federal audit says. Refinancing can lower student loan debt Today.com Millions of Americans could put more money in their pockets each month by refinancing their student loans. It's always been possible to refinance ... Discover Financial Services Faces Student-Loan Probe Wall Street Journal Discover Financial Services is facing a government probe over its student-loan business, the consumer lender said in a regulatory filing Tuesday Debt Consolidation: Beware of Student Loan Scams WebProNews It seems that just about everyone has student loan debt at one time in their lives, and as far as debt is concerned, that seems to be the kind that holds .. WHAT OTHERS SAY: College graduates don't deserve to be shackled to student loans Columbia Missourian The letter was short and sweet, just four sentences telling me that I was free from the shackles of my student loans. The message arrived last week, ... Colleges need bigger stake in student loan burden The News Journal DSU is losing the ability to issue low-interest Perkins loans designed for low-income students because a high percentage of students defaulted on ... Housing Guru David Hochberg – Student loans and missed payments WGN Radio David Hochberg, The Housing Guru, gives some advice for those worried about dealing with student loans, how to help out your credit a bit if you've .. Mortgage Bankers Association Finds that Student Loans and Home Mortgages Don't Mix MainStreet NEW YORK (MainStreet) — The New York Fed's study last April found student loans were preventing many recent graduates from buying their first … College or home, not both Fort Wayne Journal Gazette WASHINGTON . Kiva, Vittana Partner Up on Student Loans in Developing World Crowdfund Insider Vittana is a pioneer in creating tuition loan alternatives in regions where student loans are rare, and access to higher education is out of reach. Want to save America's future? Kiss student loansgoodbye allvoices Free the millennials and the ones who came before them (by about 10 years) by declaring a sort of "debt jubilee" on student loans. The US is just … SAF must cut 10-15 jobs Helena Independent Record The Student Assistance Foundation must cut costs after its pending contract to service federal student loans was blocked as a result of the … Student loans lead to servitude Gainesville Sun The next generation of students has a bigger burden to bear. ... Student loans have even been blamed for holding back the economic recovery You Can Pay Off Your Student Loans By Doing Good For The World Huffington Post Elizabeth Warren to introduce student loan refinancing legislation allvoices Under current laws, refinancing of student loans is extremely rare but Warren wants to make that option more widely available both for the borrowers .. Invest in an IRA now — or pay off student loans? Royal Gazette Interest in loans Meriden Record-Journal Murphy called the government's profit on student loans “disgraceful.” Blumenthal said he was “astonished and appalled” by the report that the ... Invest now or pay off debt? Muscatine Journal Invest now, or pay off school debt? The Decatur Daily Candidate targets for-profit colleges Milford Daily News BOSTON - Calling the record of student loan defaults at for-profit colleges a "public policy disaster," Democratic candidate for attorney general Maura ... Student loans climb: top 10 states with the highest college debt Christian Science Monitor Student Loans Debt Spikes WebProNews The sharp rise in the nation's student loan debt, now upwards of $1 trillion, is most concentrated among Americans with poor credit, according to a … Student Loan profits: Where are they really going? The Rampage Consider rolling your private student debt into single loan Chicago Tribune Student Protection Unit to investigate loan industry Oswegonian Would You Do Volunteer Work to Pay Off Your Student Loans? Now You Can TakePart Debt collectors are gorging themselves on student loans The Week Magazine Financial disclosure statements would make student loanprocess more transparent Daily Illini STORIES FROM POLITICO: - #ResistTFA: Trending on Twitter on Monday night: backlash against Teach for America's expansive campaign to recruit college graduate applicants. -- Vice President Joe Biden met with student advocates, survivors and educators Tuesday during an in-person listening session hosted by the task force. It was one of nine in-person listening sessions. 'We can do a great deal more than we're doing,' he said. Biden told the group he was 'here to listen' and wanted to hear what was working and what wasn't on their campuses, along with 'what we should be doing that we're aren't doing and what we're doing that's not making sense." -Association of Community College Trustees: The group is pushing hard to have degree programs with a median loan debt of zero and a published tuition price under the maximum Pell Grant excluded from the rule altogether, arguing they pose a low risk to students and taxpayers: http://1.usa.gov/1fpIcIv. -American Association of State Colleges and Universities, VetsFirst, Consumer Action: The groups (along with dozens of other cosigners that include the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association) wrote a letter urging a stronger rule that includes the repayment rate metric, borrower relief and protection for low-cost programs, supplemented with news reports and testimony from students wronged by for-profits: http://1.usa.gov/1jyifWw. -New America Foundation: The think tank encouraged the Education Department to keep the warning zone and be aware that programs could pass under the proposed regulation even if students' earnings are at the poverty line:http://1.usa.gov/1jyizoa. A FEW BANKS CONSIDER STUDENT LOAN REFINANCE: So far, just one bank has proposed allowing borrowers to refinance their student loans - RBS Citizens Financial Group - and Discover will begin allowing loan consolidation, which can yield lower interest rates, later this year. The Wall Street Journal has more:http://on.wsj.com/1o3iglb ...SALLIEMAE DOESN’T SEEM EAGER! - Harvard and MIT release visualization tools for a trove of MOOC data. The Chronicle of Higher Education: http://bit.ly/1oX7CzV. C is for college rating system Libby A. Nelson -A federal lawsuit filed by seven former employees against for-profit trade school Harris and its parent company, Premier Education Group, contends school officials routinely misled students about their career prospects and more. The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1h9ihBQ. --PLUS loans: The panel will also wrangle with one of the most racially charged topics in higher ed, a change to underwriting criteria for parent loans that many historically black colleges say left their students out in the cold and led to a drop in enrollment. More on the issue from the Chronicle of Higher Education:http://bit.ly/1bK7GQ5. --Debit cards and financial aid. This has become a hot regulatory topic as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Government Accountability Office (at the urging of Congressional Democrats) have urged more regulations on transparency and fees surrounding the use of debit cards for federal financial aid refunds. The recent GAO report: http://1.usa.gov/1bK919F 2/19/14 Letter from cfpb ( Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) Good afternoon, Last year, we released a sobering estimate: more than 7 million Americans are in default on a student loan. When things don’t go according to plan, many student loan borrowers find themselves on the receiving end of a call from a debt collector and have a tough time understanding their options when trying to find a way out of default. We want to better understand how collectors try to recover debt, including student loans, as we consider what rules are needed. We want to make sure that all players in this industry are working with correct information, consumers are fully informed, and consumers are treated fairly and with dignity. Tell us about your experience and weigh in now: http://regulationroom.org/rules/consumer-debt-collection-practices-anprm We want to hear everything – both the good and the bad – about your experiences with companies that collect on student loans or any other debt. The comment period is closing on February 28th, so weigh in today. Thank you, Rohit Chopra Student Loan Ombudsman The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau P.S. We’re working on a number of ways to help borrowers when they fall behind. You can learn about your options and make a plan to get out of default by using Repay Student Debt and if you run into trouble, you can submit a complaint about a student loan debt collector. 2/17 - 2/19/14 BILLS and NEWS
2/19/14 BILLS The Senate will consider a bipartisan veterans bill when they return on Feb. 24th: Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act (S 1982): This bipartisan bill combines omnibus proposals passed by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee with bipartisan support and new bills,according to bill sponsors. It would restore full cost-of-living adjustments for all military retirees; authorize VA to enter into 27 major medical facility leases in 18 states and Puerto Rico; expand access to VA health care; address benefits backlog; and offer in-state tuition assistance for Post-9/11 veterans. --https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/s1982 2/17 - 2/19-14 NEWS COMING UP LATER THIS WEEK: Politico The Education Department starts a new round of negotiated rule-making on debit cards, PLUS loans, state authorization and a host of other issues. Program helps with student loan repayment Eagle-Tribune CONCORD — The New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation announced the launch of the EDvestinU Private Student LoanConsolidation .. Have You Saved Enough for College? Find Out More About Scholarships DailyFinance IN TODAY'S FEDERAL REGISTER: Politico Find two competitive grant program announcements from the Education Department that aim to provide educational services to Native Alaskan [http://1.usa.gov/1fuW0w6] and Native Hawaiian [http://1.usa.gov/1c0wnCD] children and adults, including building schools that serve a students who represent a majority of either group of children Restoring Credit Score After Defaulting on Student Loan Fox Business I had student loans that were in deferment. I did not know they were no longer deferred. They led me to believe as long as I didn't have a job, I would ... Federal Reserve confident in economy despite high student debt Pittsburgh Post Gazette Total student loan debt -- a titanic figure that has quadrupled since 2003 and now exceeds all other forms of U.S. consumer debt, even credit cards ... Some colleges and universities are trying to get reluctant learning-disabled students to disclose their conditions before falter - and before they bring down graduation rates. Hechinger Report New York will fund college courses for prison inmates New York Daily News Strategies for the Small Politico Forget massive open online courses and online degree offerings. For the smallest colleges out there, a successful online education strategy can sometimes be as simple as email Try, Try Again Inside Higher Ed Two years and twice as many iterations later, MOOC instructors at Stanford U. say they are finally seeing results Rising student-loan debt is stopping first-timers from buying homes MarketWatch (blog) Washington Post Student debt may hurt housing recovery by hampering first-time buyers Washington Post The growing student loan burden carried by millions of Americans threatens to undermine the housing recovery's momentum by discouraging, or even .. Student Loan Debt Preventing Consumers From Buying First Homes The Consumerist First-time home buyers accounted for only a third of the homes purchased over the last year. The below-average number is thanks in part to ... Gillibrand: End heavy student loan burden Albany Times Union Schenectady. Legislation that would give people facing heavy debts from student loans a chance to refinance at a lower rate is being pushed by U.S. ... Senator supports refinancing federal student loans WPTZ The Champlain Valley Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand... What Parents Should Teach Their Children About Student Loans Huffington Post THE DIFFERENCE FOUR YEARS MAKES (IN DEBT) Politico The average bachelor's degree recipient is paying about $79 more per month, or $949 more per year, on student loans compared to his or her counterpart from four years earlier Student Loans Take Costly Turn The Highlander Changes to student loan terms coupled with a nasty post-recession economy are causing many students to have more trouble paying tuition bills. An Innovation Stifler? Inside Higher Ed An accrediting agency just approved a free, online university with a largely volunteer faculty. Is accreditation really the squelcher of experimentation it is made out to be? Private Colleges' Turn to Cry Inside Higher Ed As the budget forecast turns sunnier for California's public institutions, the privates worry about cuts to a state scholarship program on which their students rely. Study: Link Between Loans and Tuition Is Murky Inside Higher Ed Economic Impact of Community Colleges Inside Higher Ed Are student loans worth it? Inside Higher Ed When 'Full Funding' Isn't Full Inside Higher Ed Push by grad students at UT Austin shows how difficult it can be to define what doctoral support is needed -- and how to get it. Angela: Are student loans America's next big nightmare? WWL First News Experts: No relief in sight for soaring rate of student debt Michigan Daily La Crosse students feel the burden of student loans WXOW.com Seven out of 10 college graduates in 2012 had student loan debt, according to a recent study by The Institute for College Access and Success, .. NH nonprofit offering student loan consolidation Boston.com CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire nonprofit is launching a new private loan consolidation program for students. The New Hampshire Higher .. TRACKING GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT MEETINGS: Politico In addition to the Association of Private-Sector Colleges and Universities, Young Invincibles, Campus Progress, and two individual for-profit colleges, the White House Office of Management and Budget has now met with the Institute for College Access and Success and US PIRG. Records of those meetings - and the handouts groups bring along - continue to go up here: http://1.usa.gov/1gy68Ij. Increased Effort to Get Students to Complete College Could Have Huge Negative Effect WZTV 2/16/14 NEWS
Letter: High school students need information about scholarships Salt Lake Tribune Each year, students across the state take thousands of dollars in student loans because they cannot afford the expense of living and college at the .. 5 Things to Consider When Saving for Your Child's College Tuition Wall St. Cheat Sheet ... education through scholarships, apply for grants, pay for their own loans, ... These accounts can affect financial aid awards when students apply to ... Nelnet part of growing downtown Lincoln Journal Star Nelnet, the Lincoln-based company that wrote its own success story as it morphed from originating student loans to servicing them... ... Today, Nelnet is servicing more than $130 billion in student loans...top servicer of student loans... will service 30 percent... Higher education reinvestment would make for a better future Statesman Journal Student loan debt increased more than 60 percent between 2005 and 2014, and now Oregon students graduate with an average of $26,000 in .. Dear Liz: By Liz Weston, Valley News>>>>> My daughter has $30,000 in student loans from obtaining her master’s degree. The loans have about a 7 percent interest rate. She will be eligible to have $5,000 forgiven if she works five years in a low- income school. Although she is currently so employed, she does not know whether she will stay there for five years. I have a line of credit available with a 4.8 percent interest rate. It seems to me that she will pay less overall if she uses my line of credit to pay off her student loans and makes the monthly payment on the line of credit. Does she miss out on developing a good credit score by using my credit? Is it worth paying the higher interest rate to develop that credit history?...... Are Student Loans Worth It? Debt Consolidation USA Thinks It Is DigitalJournal.com Debt Consolidation USA, one of the most prominent debt relief websites, published an article that sought to defend the need for student loans... 2/15/14 NEWS/ BILLS
>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/15 NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Dozens of colleges and universities have changed the wording of their financial aid web pages since a congressman accused more than 100 institutions of misleading students about federal grant and loan requirements. Inside Higher Ed Millennials face a weak job market, seek alternatives. USA Today Student Loan Borrowers Assistance Follow Governor Cuomo’s Lead and Investigate Student Loan “Debt Relief” Companies Knezek, fellow state legislators propose major change tostudent loan program Southgate News Herald David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) was one of three state legislators to introduce a measure Tuesday that would change the way collegestudent ... Is comeuppance ahead for predatory colleges? Kansas City Star The for-profit sector receives about one-fifth of federal grants and loans available to help ... It is responsible for almost half of all student loandefaults. Student Loan Servicer Regulation to Start, Says CFPB MainStreet Bank-based loan servicers — such as Wells Fargo or Discover — are already overseen by the CFPB. But student-loan companies that service loans ... VIDEO: Elizabeth Warren Calls for Closing Loopholes for the Rich to Cut Student Loan Debt Mother Jones On Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called on her colleagues in the Senate to reduce interest rates for Americans crushed by student ... How to Stand Up to Your Student Loan Servicer DailyFinance Perhaps there's a bit of irony in the name "student loan servicer," considering the number of stories out there about the less-than-satisfactory customer ... There’s widespread agreement that college matters. In 1979, a typical young adult with a high school diploma could expect to earn 77 percent as much as a peer with a bachelor’s degree. Today, that person would earn just 62 percent as much. College graduates also are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and to believe they have the skills to get ahead, according to a Pew Research report released this week. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/7-2/13-14 POPVOX WEEKLY TOP 20 BILLS: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< #2 VRAP Extension Act (HR 562) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< To provide for a three-month extension of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr562 265 Support | 10 Oppose #4 Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act (HR 3193) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< To amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr3193 158 Support | 67 Oppose #12 GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act (HR 357) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< To amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, to make other improvements in the laws relating to benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr357 133 Support | 5 Oppose #17 Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act (HR 3892)<<<<<< To establish student loan borrowers’ rights to basic consumer protections, reasonable and flexible repayment options, access to earned credentials, and effective loan cancellation in exchange for public service. https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr3892 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 56 Support | 9 Oppose More from POPVOX: How to Speak Washingtonian <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Many of our users asked us for a terminology guide to help figure out those wonky words used by our lawmakers. Hope this helps: http://www.popvox.com/files/washingtonian.pdf -- and go ahead and drop some of these phrases with your friends! 2/4 - 2/13/14 PETITIONS/ NEWS/
CURRENT ED BILLS: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
2/13/14 NEW PETITIONS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< - SEE HOME PAGE! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/10-2/13 NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<MORE FROM RUBIO ON HIS HIGHER ED PLANS: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) called for universal income-based repayment for student loans and a more flexible accreditation system that would allow students to cobble together a degree from individual courses...Rubio had harsh words for some for-profit colleges with poor outcomes..."There are some that are absolutely outrageous in what they do," Rubio said. "They are bringing people in, they are helping them apply and receive maximum amounts of students loans and then they are not delivering employable degree programs. ... People are graduating from there and they are not getting jobs and you are getting huge defaults. And they are all over the place. You drive anywhere in America, any major metropolitan area, it is covered in billboards for 'Career College This' and 'Career College That.'" Still, he said, some for-profit colleges can be part of "a very responsible package." "I think we need to be in the future of creating more options, not limiting options." Politico EXPERIMENTAL SITES APPLICATIONS ROLL IN: The Education Department has received more than 100 submissions from colleges and other groups proposing ways to relax the financial aid regulations… Politico Attending College Costs Money, But Not Going Also Carries a Pricetag (College Bound) Getting Low-Income Students on the College-Degree Path Education Week Risky Business: Why Student Loans Are The Worst Way To Fund College Forbes Report: Feds to continue profiting on student loans until at least 2024 Manisteenews Sallie Mae: How Feds Started Student-Loan Debacle Talk Radio News Service - WASHINGTON, D.C. Sallie Mae: How feds fuel student-loan fiasco BizPac Review While wringing their hands over America's student-loan crisis — a $1-trillion debt bubble resembling the 2008 mortgage meltdown — federal officials ... Rep. Mason's student debt bill gets a hearing Journal Times The bill also extends a tax break for residents shouldering student loan .debt. People in college are eligible for a deduction up to $6,943 for their tuition; ... WHO'S FILLING OUT FAFSA? The Education Department is releasing its annual data, listed by state, of how many students at high schools have filled out the FAFSA… Politico Discover(R) Student Loans Offering New Scholarship Opportunities for Students Wall Street Journal Discover Student Loans announced that it will give away $40,000 in scholarships Lawmakers consider tax relief for student loans; passage appears slim Statesman Journal OPINION: Soul-sucking student loans are killing a generation of Americans Daily Caller Counselors say more students cautious about taking out college loans NW Herald Graduate students raise interest rate concerns with "Grads Have Debt 2" campaign Columbia Daily Tribune (blog) Student Borrowers Need a Bill of Rights Huffington Post Student Loan Leads For Sale At $10 And As Low As $3 for Internet Semi –Exclusive Leads From ... PR Web (press release) A Wage Advantage for College-Educated Millennials Young adults with college degrees enjoy a significant economic edge over their peers who lack one, according to a study published Tuesday by the Pew Research Center.. Inside Higher Ed Press Release: Kline, Foxx Question President's Higher Education Executive Orders House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama… Weekly Wrap-Up - Education and the Workforce Committee New Deregulatory Push As Senator Alexander pushes to deregulate higher education, college leaders meet to discuss which rules to cut.. Inside Higher Ed For-Profit Tax Breaks Grand Canyon University, an Arizona-based for-profit higher ed provider, is asking the state legislature for tax breaks as it expands.. Inside Higher Ed One Florida college president says he's a single high-performing Pell student away from avoiding a penalty under the state's new performance funding system. Who'd gain and lose? Tampa Bay Times What Non-Profit Universities Can Learn from the For-Profits Higher Ed Beta 6 lessons and 6 implications.. Inside Higher Ed Commentary: How middle-class kids get hammered on student loans Savannah Now Can We Fix College With Better Student Loans? Forbes Which comes first -- student loans or 401(k)? CNN In Support of Student Loan Refinancing Huffington Post Got student loans? Don't miss this credit in 2014 Maine Edge Inheriting wealth from your in-laws and moving student loan debt (Money talk Q&A) The Oregonian Editorial: New, lower interest on student loans past due Newsday - Congress should cut student borrowers some slack. They should be allowed to refinance college loans at a lower interest rate just like homeowners .. Getting Low-Income Students on the College-Degree Path Education Week- This nation needs to move millions more low-income children onto the college track to avoid disastrous results for students and the American economy, writes Rick Dalton, of College for Every Student.. Deeper Pockets - Generous alumni helped colleges rake in nearly $34 billion in donations in 2013, a 9 percent increase over 2012.. Inside Higher Ed Scholars Debate Tying Pell Grants to College Completion Inside Higher Ed Politician-Public Divide Seeking to gauge how to rebuild public support for higher ed, survey project finds that Americans have less vocational view of college than their leaders do. Inside Higher Ed For-Profit Students' Ambivalent Views For-profit colleges' students and alumni generally praise their experience but question the value of their degrees, a study finds. Inside Higher Ed Who Defaults and Why? Inside Higher Ed U.S. Selects Rules Panel for PLUS Loans Inside Higher Ed Extending the Transcript Matthew Pittinsky says it's time for a different kind of record of what goes on in college Inside Higher Ed >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/4 - 2/13 CURRENT ED BILLS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< FOR MORE INFO ON BILLS, CLICK ON BILL NAME -OR- TO READ, VOTE & SEND COMMENTS TO CONGRESS, GO TO POPVOX ! Feb 03, 2014 — New Cosponsor - S. 1803: Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights New Cosponsor: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand [D-NY] Feb 03, 2014 — New Cosponsors - H.R. 3892: Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Del. Madeleine Bordallo [D-GU0] New Cosponsor: Rep. Judy Chu [D-CA27] Feb 03, 2014 — Passed House - H.R. 357: GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013 Explanation: This bill passed in the House on February 3, 2014 and goes to the Senate next for consideration. Feb 04, 2014 — Introduced - S. 1990: A bill to prohibit aliens who are not lawfully present in the United States from being eligible for postsecondary education benefits that are not available to all citizens and nationals of the United States. Sponsor: Sen. David Vitter [R-LA] Feb 04, 2014 2:48 a.m. — Bill Text - H.R. 3939: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to jumpstart the sluggish economy, finance critical infrastructure investments, fight income inequality and create jobs, and for other purposes. This bill’s text is now available. Feb 05, 2014 — New Cosponsor - H.R. 3717: Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013 New Cosponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX18] New Cosponsor: Rep. Ed Whitfield [R-KY1] New Cosponsor: Rep. Erik Paulsen [R-MN3] New Cosponsor: Rep. Ami Bera [D-CA7] New Cosponsor: Rep. Jackie Walorski [R-IN2] New Cosponsor: Rep. Markwayne Mullin [R-OK2] Feb 05, 2014 — New Cosponsors - H.R. 3921: IN STATE Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Rep. Keith Ellison [D-MN5] New Cosponsor: Rep. Alan Lowenthal [D-CA47] New Cosponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX18] New Cosponsor: Rep. Marc Veasey [D-TX33] New Cosponsor: Rep. Luis Gutiérrez [D-IL4] New Cosponsor: Rep. Joe Garcia [D-FL26] New Cosponsor: Rep. John Delaney [D-MD6] Feb 07, 2014 9:47 p.m. — Bill Text - S. 1982: A bill to improve the provision of medical services and benefits to veterans, and for other purposes. Feb 10, 2014 — New Cosponsor - H.R. 3510: Stopping Unfair Collateral Consequences from Ending Student Success Act New Cosponsor: Rep. Joyce Beatty [D-OH3] Feb 10, 2014 — New Cosponsor - S. 1978: Increasing Primary Care Access Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Sen. Martin Heinrich [D-NM] Feb 11, 2014 — Passed Senate - S. 1068: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2013 Last Action: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. Explanation: This bill passed in the Senate on February 11, 2014 and goes to the House next for consideration. Feb 11, 2014 — New Cosponsor - S. 1911: SKILLS Act New Cosponsor: Sen. James Risch [R-ID] Feb 11, 2014 — New Cosponsors - S. 1982: Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 New Cosponsor: Sen. Debbie Stabenow [D-MI] New Cosponsor: Sen. Cory Booker [D-NJ] Feb 12, 2014 — Introduced S. 2033: A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to allow the Secretary of Education to award job training Federal Pell Grants Sponsor: Sen. Mary Landrieu [D-LA] Feb 12, 2014 — Introduced S. 2030: A bill to reauthorize and amend the National Sea Grant College Program Act, and for other purposes Sponsor: Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/6 - POPVOX Weekly Top 20: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< #5 GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act (HR 357) To amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, to make other improvements in the laws relating to benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. -- Passed the House -- 226 Support | 16 Oppose #9 Student Loan Debt (HR 3927) To amend section 3716 of title 31, United States Code, to raise to at least the poverty line the amount of Social Security benefits that are exempt from being offset to satisfy student loan debt. 27 Support | 141 Oppose #19 VRAP Extension Act (HR 562) To provide for a three-month extension of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 67 Support | 1 Oppose >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2/4-2/9/14 NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 1/30/14 - 2/3/14 BILLS
Jan 31, 2014 9:45 p.m. — Bill Text S. 1969: A bill to provide for higher education reform.This bill’s text is now available. Feb 01, 2014 9:46 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 3959: To establish a Pay It Forward model for funding postsecondary education.This bill’s text is now available. POPVOX TOP 20 BILLS - 1/24-1/30 #13 Student Loan Debt To amend section 3716 of title 31, United States Code, to raise to at least the poverty line the amount of Social Security benefits that are exempt from being offset to satisfy student loan debt. 20 Support | 160 Oppose H.R. 3927 1/30/14 - 2/3/14 NEWS Endowments Up 12% College endowment funds saw healthy double-digit investment returns in 2013. The Government Accountability Office said there is too much uncertainty involved in student loan program costs for Congress to be able to set interest rates so that the Education Department breaks even... THE HIGHER ED RESPONSE ON RATINGS: The American Council on Education wrote to the Education Department with both broad and specific concerns about the proposed rating system for colleges and universities Tackle the Real Problem Community college student success is more important than concern about "undermatching," writes Tom Bailey. And making a dent in that problem requires comprehensive reforms. Ask Ken: Consider total cost when choosing a collegeThe Sheboygan Press - When analyzing the “financial package” offered by colleges, pay special attention to the student loans they are suggesting or offering... Loan Forgiveness Available for Students Going Into Public Service NASDAQ - Student Financial Aid Fraud is a big Problem Huffington Post Blumenthal blasts government student loan profitKansas City Star - Richard Blumenthal says he is astonished that the federal government earned an estimated $66 billion in profit from student loans originated between ... The Student Loan Picture Is Getting Worse. What Does It Mean for ...DailyFinance - It seems like every day a new story comes out about the difficulty people are having repaying student loans. And that's probably for good reason: ... Reed blasts government profits on student loansBoston.com - Jack Reed says he is shocked that the federal government earned an estimated $66 billion in profit from student loans originated between 2007 and ... Federal Student Loan CostsInside Higher Ed - At the center of the student loan interest rate fights in Congress in recent years has been a simple question: how much, if anything, does the federal .. Warren blasts profits on student loans Boston Globe - Elizabeth Warren said Saturday she is shocked that the federal government is earning an estimated $66 billion in profits from student loans originated... Screw U: How For-Profit Colleges Rip You OffMother Jones EXTRA STEM LOANSPlant & Works Engineering magazine - Commenting on the Government announcement that it would fund student loans for 10,000 additional university place in STEM subjects in the coming ... Private college in Croydon closes after 'misleading' Student Loans ... Rising student loan debt cause for worry The Augusta Chronicle - National student-loan debt surpassed the $1 trillion mark, rising by $33 billion in the third quarter of 2013, Weekly Wrap-Up - House Education and the Workforce Committee WHITE HOUSE MAKES WORKFORCE PUSH: Today the administration will announce $150 million ready-to-work grants to help the long-term unemployed back on their feet. The grants will go to cities, community colleges... POLITICO New Story Alert [email protected] Jan 31 (3 days ago)Libby A. Nelson Sweeping higher ed overhaul RANKING ON PELL GRAD RATES Complaint System for Student Veterans January 31, 2014 Higher ED The federal government this week announced the launch of a new online complaint system for college students who are veterans or active-duty Why We Joined edX January 30, 2014 - 9:00pm Hoping for an ongoing discussion about open online courses in the context of the liberal arts. Obama vs. Art History President joins the ranks of politicians who suggest liberal arts disciplines don't lead to jobs. HARKIN'S 2014 PRIORITIES ... Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa wants to move fast: The final HEA reauthorization hearing will be in May or June, the Iowa Democrat said in a wide-ranging conversation with reporters Wednesday. Work on a bill will begin this summer... Harkin emphasized transparency and accountability...he has "serious concerns" about the proposed federal college rating system.. 'INSIDERS' LESS OPTIMISTIC THAN HARKIN (Politico, 1/3/14) Libby A. Nelson Whiteboard Advisers' monthly poll of former and current education officials and observers is out today, and as usual, they're not optimistic that any big education laws will be reauthorized soon...and just 11 percent think HEA will be reauthorized this year... A RATING SYSTEM PROPOSAL: A former top Education Department official suggests five tiers: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and lead. Students at platinum and gold colleges would get more federal financial aid, and the vast majority of colleges would be in the silver tier with no rewards or penalties... Forgive Student Loan Debt: Five Years On - The Nation. (blog) - Times Higher Education Private college gave 'misleading information' to Student Loans ...Times Higher Education Journal Times editorial: Refinancing student loans should really be ...Journal Times - Borrowers with an undergraduate degree are making an average payment of $350 per month for 18.7 years Filing Taxes? Have Student Loan Debt? Uncle Sam Has A Message ... WSU students get tips on managing finances - El Estándar - "Avoid unnecessary debts like the plague..." 1/30/14 BILLS
Jan 29, 2014 — Introduced S. 1969: A bill to provide for higher education reform. H.R. 3959: To establish a Pay It Forward model for funding postsecondary education. 1/30/14 NEWS Sen. Gillibrand wants Obama to back law to letstudents refinance ...New York Daily News - Y.) wants Obama to use his State of the Union address Tuesday to commit to her plan to ease the costs of federalstudent loans for tens of millions of ... Will Congress turn its back on students? MSNBC Student debt is a serious issueThe Patriot Talon - Student loan debt is an all too real consequence of earning an education ... Whether you see it as a positive or negative decision, taking out loans is ... Departments of Education and Treasury Announce Collaboration ...Yumanewsnow - “As student loan borrowers file their taxes this year, I'm pleased that many of them will have an opportunity to determine if they can lower their monthly ... Montana state bank concept debated - PROPONENTS ARGUE THAT PROVIDING LOW-INTEREST STUDENT LOANS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL - Billings Gazette Online Student Loan Makes Seeking for New Professional Careers Easier Than Ever... Students advised to hurry up Otago Daily Times - Students are being warned to hurry up and apply for student loans and allowances or risk missing out on payments. WHAT'S IT MEAN TO BE WORKFORCE READY? Education and the Workforce Committee Congressman John Kline, Chairman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2014CONTACT: Press Office (202) 226-9440 Hearing Highlights Ways Colleges, Universities are Working to Expand Access to Low-Income Students 1/29/14 NEWS
A LOW-KEY STATE OF THE UNION FOR EDUCATION Politico JUST 10 PERCENT OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS CONSOLIDATED THEIR LOANS Politico 1/28/14 -Two for-profit college chains received inquiries from 12 states about their business practices. The Associated Press Student Loan Borrowers Assistance- The Dangers of Parent PLUS Loans - Posted: 28 Jan 2014 11:46 AM PST 1/28/14 NEWS
Turbo Taxing Student Loans MainStreet - These permit borrowers to repay their student loans using a sliding income scale. Monthly payments will be adjusted in relation to income and family ... University Herald Federal Student Loans Could See Significant 3 Changes in 2014 University Herald - Student loans were a hot topic in 2013 and that does not figure to change in 2014, as U.S. News and World Report says three major changes can be ... Ventura Lawyer Offering Student LoanManagement Ventura County Star - Default rates on student loans are skyrocketing, and some economists are concerned that the inability of recent graduates to find jobs and pay their … States Expand For-Profit Education Probe Wall Street Journal - The colleges defend their track record, sayingstudents are told about the terms of their loans and warn that post-school employment isn't guaranteed... Career Education gets inquiry from attorneys general Chicago Tribune - ... company Career Education Corp. said it received inquiries from 12 state attorneys general related to its enrollment practices and student loans... NY1 Gillibrand Wants Obama to MentionStudent Loan Debt Relief in ... NY1 - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is urging President Barack Obama to mention student loan debt relief in his State of the Union address Tuesday night... How to make the best of your college financial worries Nicholls Worth - According to finance professor John Lajaunie, having the easy access to get student loans will only put students into more debt in the future. Rather … Meet Sabrina Jenkins, Michelle Obama's Guest For The State Of The ... Huffington Post - Jenkins, 45, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, faces $90,000 in student loans and lives paycheck to paycheck working for the Charleston County ... 1/27/14
OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE RESPONSE TOForgive Student Loan Debt to Stimulate the Economy and Usher in a New Era of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Prosperity Taking Action to Reduce the Burden of Student Loan DebtBy Roberto Rodriguez Thank you for taking the time to participate in the “We the People” petition process. We launched this online tool as a way of hearing directly from you, and are pleased that you have responded by presenting this idea. We agree that reducing the burden of student loans is an effective way to stimulate the economy and save taxpayer dollars. That's why we're excited to announce a new policy that speaks to the concerns expressed in this petition. First some background. About two-thirds of college graduates have taken out loans to help pay for their education, with an average student borrower owing over $23,000. This debt is particularly burdensome for graduates who enter lower-paying careers, suffer setbacks such as unemployment or serious illness, or fail to complete their degrees. Our Administration recognizes that higher education is a needed investment to compete for the jobs of the twenty-first century, but acknowledges the great financial burden that it places on many American students and families. As an Administration, we are committed to making college more affordable so that all Americans can gain access to an education that will enable them to succeed in a global economy increasingly based on knowledge and innovation. As President Obama has stated, “in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.” The federal student loan program allows students the option to invest in their own future and this option is one that requires responsibility on the part of students as well as institutions of higher learning. We know many borrowers across the nation are struggling to keep up with student loan payments. That’s why we have taken action to help reduce monthly loan payments when they become too burdensome, while at the same time keeping the student loan program fiscally sound so we can invest in the next generation of students. Our income based repayment (IBR) policy is a prime example of doing just that: it allows students to repay student loans based on the income they make, rather than the standard 10-year repayment plan. Currently, IBR allows hundreds of thousands of borrowers to cap their loan payments at 15% of their discretionary income and have all remaining debt forgiven after 25 years of payment. This program allows students to reduce their loan payments by hundreds of dollars a month in many cases, while keeping the loans in good standing. For example, a student borrower with an income of $30,000 and a loan debt of $25,000 will see their monthly student loan payments reduced by $116. To give students additional help, Congress enacted a proposal in 2010 to have IBR borrowers cap their payments at 10% instead of 15% and have all their debt forgiven after 20 years instead of 25 years. These changes were scheduled to go into effect in 2014. However, the Administration is announcing today that these benefits will go into effect two years earlier, in 2012, to provide an even greater benefit to students in college now. We are also announcing that borrowers can now consolidate their loans from the Direct Loan (DL) program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program into one loan. This will give borrowers the convenience of a single payment to a single lender – which makes it less likely that borrowers will default. Borrowers would also receive up to a 0.5 percent reduction to their interest rate, which means lower monthly payments. As President Obama has explained, American students face a paradox: “at the very moment it's never been more important to have a quality higher education, the cost of that kind of that kind of education has never been higher.” Over the past three decades college tuition has grown 10 times faster than a typical family's income, making higher education unattainable for many; however, more than 60% of jobs in the next decade will require more than a high school diploma. It is more important than ever for Americans to get a good education to stay ahead in an increasingly global economy. If we want to remain competitive as a nation, we must continue to create ways for all Americans to afford higher education. In addition to capping student loan repayments, the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act helped increase the maximum Pell Grant to $5,500 and saved taxpayers billions by cutting out banks as middlemen. Because of this reform, there will be over 800,000 additional Pell Grants awarded over the next 10 years and the value of Pell Grants will be able to keep up with additional college costs. We know that these steps don’t solve all our problems in higher education. There is still more work to be done to make it possible for every American to earn a quality education. But enormous progress has been made. And by continuing to raise your voices and call for change, you will help to open the doors of higher education to all Americans. Roberto Rodriguez is Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy Bills! Jan 24, 2014 9:45 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 3926: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to discharge student loans for borrowers who are determined by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to be under a disability without expectation of medical or functional improvement. This bill’s text is now available. Jan 21, 2014 — IntroducedH.R. 3926: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to discharge student loans for borrowers who are determined by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to be under a disability without expectation of medical or functional improvement. Sponsor: Rep. Alan Grayson [D-FL9 Jan 24, 2014 2:50 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 3903: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish fair and consistent eligibility requirements for graduate medical schools operating outside the United States and Canada. This bill’s text is now available. Jan 24, 2014 2:50 a.m. — Bill Text S. 1911: A bill to reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of the Nation to put Americans back to work and make the United States more competitive in the 21st century, and for other purposes.This bill’s text is now available. Jan 24, 2014 2:51 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 3898: To prohibit students who have been convicted of a criminal hazing offense under State law from receiving assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This bill’s text is now available. NEWS 1/24/14-1/27-14 Local Sen. Warren To File Bill Allowing Refinancing For Student LoansJanuary 22, 2014 10:40 AM BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is planning to file a bill to let students refinance their old loans at a new lower rate.Warren said she wants to ease the loan burden that she says is burying graduates in debt and stifling economic growth.Warren said it’s important to let students with old, high-interest loans take advantage of lower rates now being offered to students under a new federal law this year… POLITICO's Morning Education, presented by POWERJobs: Advocates' State of the Union wishlist — Colleges weigh in Jan 23By Libby A. Nelson With help from Caitlin Emma, Maggie Severns, Nirvi Shah and Stephanie Simon WHAT ADVOCATES WANT TO HEAR IN STATE OF THE UNION: The White House met with education groups a week ago in preparation for this year's speech. He could talk about the great role community colleges play in the development of a healthy middle class (David Baime, American Association of Community Colleges). Richard Barth of the KIPP Foundation would love to see Obama reiterate his goal of increasing college graduation rates for low-income students. And he could back off of his administration's push to rate teachers based at least in part on student test scores, said Mark Naison , a history professor at Fordham University and co-founder of the Badass Teachers Association. Or he could take a stronger position in favor of education reform and accountability for students, said Hanna Skandera, New Mexico's state education chief and the chairwoman of Chiefs for Change. PUBLIC COLLEGES SHARE THEIR RATINGS ALTERNATIVE: Instead of rating colleges, the Education Department should disclose more information on student outcomes - including some data, such as employment, that would require a national student unit record system, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities said in written comments. Access to student aid should depend in part on colleges' outcomes. Colleges should be evaluated on loan repayment and default rates, as well as student progress rates, adjusted to account for different levels of student preparedness when entering college, the group said. And colleges that score in the lowest tier could be financially penalized... COLLEGES WEIGH IN ON COMPETENCY EXPERIMENTS: Collectively, 17 colleges, systems and groups have suggested experiments the Education Department could propose to offer more flexibility to work with competency-based education. They include alternative definitions of "attendance" and "satisfactory academic progress"; decoupling aid from time measurements (such as the credit hour or the semester) entirely; and greater freedom to explore hybrid programs that include both competency-based and traditional learning. PUBLIC COLLEGES SHARE THEIR RATINGS ALTERNATIVE: Instead of rating colleges, the Education Department should disclose more information on student outcomes - including some data, such as employment, that would require a national student unit record system, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities said… Access to student aid should depend in part on colleges' outcomes. Colleges should be evaluated on loan repayment and default rates, as well as student progress rates, adjusted to account for different levels of student preparedness when entering college, the group said. And colleges that score in the lowest tier could be financially penalized. POLITICO's Morning Education, presented by POWERJobs: CEOs debate role of profit in education — State chiefs pledge to protect student privacy — New school choice bills Jan 24 By Stephanie Simon With help from Caitlin Emma and Libby Nelson http://politico.pro/1aPtXpF: Top executives from Microsoft, Pearson, Discovery Education, Intel and other firms will gather in Davos, Switzerland today for a roundtable on education during the World Economic Forum. Joined by academics from Harvard and Stanford, the group will mull the risks and benefits of making a profit motive more central to education; swap tips on connecting corporations, schools and governments; and consider how to ensure that ed tech products rise or fall based on their impact in the classroom, not just their marketing budgets.- The discussion will focus on the concept of "shared value," which posits that companies can address social problems - and, not incidentally, boost profits - by intervening in K-12 and higher education. For example, Intel has sent anthropologists into schools to observe students using technology, in hopes of developing new products that drive up both sales and academic achievement. A report outlines other case studies:http://politico.pro/1eGyC19: The Education Department is partnering with Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, to remind student loan recipients that the government offers several repayment options. Some TurboTax users will see a banner ad reminding them of their options and directing them to a calculator to help figure out whether they could benefit from the income-based repayment program. Screenshots of the reminders. http://1.usa.gov/1eGzX7T: More than 800 adjunct faculty told the Democrats of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce that the trend toward hiring more adjuncts, and fewer tenure-track professors, has led to low pay, little hope for a full-time professorship, and growing reliance among adjuncts on public assistance. The committee's report also mentions complaints that colleges are cutting adjunct's hours to avoid triggering requirements in the Affordable Care Act that full-time employees be offered health care. "A growing number of people working in this profession fill positions not intended to provide the stability, pay, or benefits necessary for a family's long-term economic security," the report concludes. As one proposed remedy, the report calls for more budget transparency in higher ed. Read the report! http://politico.pro/M02Kes ...More than 40 institutions - including Ohio State, Princeton, Stanford and the university systems of New York and California - directed their lobbying teams to push on patent issues this year. That's a huge increase over last year, when just 13 institutions disclosed lobbying around patent issues… - Digital Learning Now has a new guide to ed-tech procurement Former North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue launches new organization to promote education technology, with grants from the Carnegie and Gates foundations. Associated Press: Inside Higher Ed 1/24/14 Pressure on the Provosts Inside Higher Ed survey of chief academic officers finds most don't view the era of budget cuts as over, they are dubious of MOOCs but not competency-based education, and they dislike the Obama ratings plan. They are split on whether they remain in touch with the disciplines that drew them to academe. Liberal Arts Grads Win Long-Term Over the arc of a career, humanities and social science graduates earn as much or more than those in professional fields, new study shows, and are equally employed. State Higher Ed Budgets Rebound Nationally, states are continuing to restore aid to higher ed, but funding is still lower than it was before the recession. Digital Upgrade for Transcripts Use of e-transcripts catches on, opening the door to new uses for the student record General Education's Remake Liberal education group wants to redesign general education around competencies, and gets $2.3 million from the Gates Foundation for the project. Congress Takes Note A new report on the impact of adjunct labor marks a new level of interest in Washington about the changing nature of the higher education workforce. Higher Learning, Higher Ground Intellectual Affairs Does the best case for liberal arts education come from laboratory research? Scott McLemee looks into a neuroscientist's new book. 4 Questions for an edX Developer Technology and Learning Open online learning as viewed from someone who writes the code. 7 Productivity Apps for the New Year GradHacker Managing time more effectively MIT Starts Big Push to Promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship Monday, January 27, 2014 - 3:00am The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is starting a wide-ranging effort to promote entrepreneurship and turn student inventions into products and businesses, The Boston Globe reported. Job Market Stable for Religion Jobs Monday, January 27, 2014 - 3:00am ... according to a report by the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion. New Cross-Irish Collaboration in Research Monday, January 27, 2014 - 3:00am An agreement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will pave the way for more collaboration among the universities in both parts of Ireland, Times Higher Education reported. ***MEDIA ADVISORY*** Subcommittee to Discuss Opportuni ities to Better Prepare Disadvantageded Students for Students for College Success Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on HigherEduation and Workforce Training, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) will hold a hearing entitled “Keeping College Within Reach: Sharing Best Practices for Serving Low-income and First Generation Students.” ... Should You Consolidate Your Student LoanDebt? Jan 25/14 U.S. News & World Report (blog) - If you're making separate student loanpayments on each of your five or 10 student loans, you may want to consider consolidating your loans. Student ... Seriously, How Can I Deal With My PrivateStudent Loans? 1/25/14 Huffington Post - What is my best option to deal with with 33,000 privatestudent loan in collections? I'm finding it really difficult to make ends meet as it is... Thenationalstudent National week of action against privatisation of student debt to take … 1/27/14 Thenationalstudent - A week of action to protest against the privatisation of the student loans book has been organised for Monday 3rd – Friday 7th of February... The Guardian Wealthy students get grants intended for poor through divorce… 1/27/14 The Guardian - The Student Loan Company (SLC), which assesses the incomes of parents to determine the level of a student's grant and maintenance loans, ... Scholarships 'alleviate the burden' 1/27/14 Vidette Online - Using scholarship money to pay down student loans helps to save more money in the long-term. Another key strategy in applying for scholarships is to … RSU finding it's the place to be 1/27/14 Claremore Daily Progress - With an averagestudent loan debt lower than both state and national averages, Rogers State University has been ranked nationally among colleges ... Engaging Risk If universities and colleges seek to thrive, we must think in terms of risk, writes Paula Vene Smith… The Hamilton Project Work on Higher Education: Policy Proposals to Promote Access and Affordability Jan., 2014 On January 16, President Obama hosted college and university presidents from around the country for a summit to discuss new approaches for promoting college access, with a focus on reaching low-income students. The Hamilton Project has produced significant work highlighting the importance of higher education for economic mobility, in addition to a series of papers by outside experts on improving college access and affordability. A menu of Hamilton Project work on this topic is included below for easy reference... 1/24/14
CONGRESSTuesday, January 28 Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training hearing at10:00 a.m. in room 2175 Rayburn House Office Building. Hearing on "Keeping College Within Reach: Sharing Best Practices for Serving Low-Income and First Generation Students." Witness list is availablehere. BILLS Introduced Jan 21, 2014 — Introduced H.R. 3927: To amend section 3716 of title 31, United States Code, to raise to at least the poverty line the amount of Social Security benefits that are exempt from being offset to satisfy student loan debt. H.R. 3926: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to discharge student loans for borrowers who are determined by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to be under a disability without expectation of medical or functional improvement. Jan 24, 2014 2:51 a.m. -- Bill Text H.R. 3898: To prohibit students who have been convicted of a criminal hazing offense under State law from receiving assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.This bill’s text is now available. Jan 22, 2014 2:48 a.m. — Bill Text S. 1943: A bill to incentivize State support for postsecondary education and to promote increased access and affordability for higher education for students, including Dreamer students.This bill’s text is now available. NEWS These colleges will pay your student loan bills By Melanie Hicken @melhicken January 22, 2014: 6:24 AM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney) A small but growing group of colleges are guaranteeing students that they will help them pay their student loan bills until they secure a well-paying job. Known as a loan repayment assistance program, the colleges offer to pay undergraduate student's loan bills until they earn enough to afford the payments themselves... 10 Ways to Fix Student Loans in 2014 By Mitchell D. Weiss Fox Business News Published January 23, 2014Credit.com If you thought the politics behind the student loan pricing debate were contemptible, just wait until Congress takes up the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act this year. For nearly a half century, the HEA has been responsible for a variety of financial assistance programs for students and educational institutions. Title IV is arguably the best known facet of the act. It governs Pell and Supplemental Education Opportunity grants, the Federal Work Study program, Perkins Loans, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. (The FFEL program was discontinued in 2010.)... [email protected] via bounce.politicoemail.com Jan 22 (2 days ago) By Libby A. Nelson With help from Caitlin Emma and Maggie Severns (LOBBYING) BILLS, BILLS, BILLS: Lobbying reports from the fourth quarter of 2013 are rolling in. So far, the biggest education spenders were the National Education Association ($641,158) and Sallie Mae ($450,000). -Colleges that spent more than $100K: For-profit Bridgepoint Education, whose colleges include Ashford University and University of the Rockies ($310,000); state systems, including the University of Texas ($206,000); University of California ($120,000); and University of Colorado ($170,526); Boston University ($160,000) and Harvard University ($135,000); and a strong showing from the Big Ten: Northwestern University ($177,000), Michigan State ($100,000) and Penn State ($100,000). -Who else? Some high-rolling tech and communications companies reported spending at least some of their time on education lobbying, including the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, 3M, Texas Instruments, Boston Scientific, Samsung and Adobe... IMAGINING A MURRAY-LED HELP COMMITTEE: Several dominoes would have to fall into place for Sen. Patty Murray of Washington to lead the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions a year from now. But if they do, some observers are hopeful that the deal-cutting Democrat could get long-stalled education moving again. And given Murray's background as a teacher (and her start in politics as a parent trying to save a preschool), a shift to the HELP Committee could make sense, Maggie Severns writes. -Signature issue: Murray has a special interest in homeless students, and won a victory when she got a provision in this year's budget to allow schools more flexibility to work with these students using Title I dollars. NEW DATA ON LIBERAL ARTS MAJORS' OUTCOMES: A report from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and the American Association of Colleges and Universities finds engineering and science majors still out-earn their peers in other fields, but that liberal arts graduates catch up to pre-professional majors quickly and eventually earn an average of about $2,000 more annually. The average salary for a humanities major directly out of college is just over $26,000, the study finds. Taking on Sallie Mae January 22, 2014 ByMichael Stratford - Inside Higher Ed The federal government needs to do a better job of overseeing the companies it hires to service student loans, especially Sallie Mae, according to a new report by the National Consumer Law Center. Senate HELP Hearings: Full Committee Hearing - Strengthening Federal Access Programs to Meet 21st Century Needs: A Look at TRIO and GEAR UPDate: Thursday, January 16 2014, 10:00 AM VIDEO See http://www.help.senate.gov/hearings/ for previous education hearing videos. This is one of 12 planned hearings on higher education. The First Year of edX: Research Findings to Inform Online Learning By Justin Reich on January 21, 2014 10:00 AM |Education Week My colleagues and I from HarvardX and MITx research are very pleased to announce the release of 16 working papers and course reports that summarize our research from the first full academic year of courses on edX. We have one multi-course report that summarizes findings across all of the courses. I was the lead author for three papers that extensively explore the first two HarvardX courses from the Harvard School of Public Health, HeroesXand JusticeX. These reports combine analysis of edX platform log data, with interviews with faculty and course development teams and a close examination of course content. We also released 11 additional course reports for each of the MITx courses from 2012-2013. Finally, Terry Fisher was kind enough to re-release his appraisal of his CopyrightX course as part of our series. I'll be giving a livestreamed talk at 6pm eastern tonight (UPDATE: this link now has the recording), which will be an opportunity to walk people through some of the findings from these reports... 1/22/14
The Sallie Mae Saga: A Government-Created, Student Debt Fueled Profit Machine January 21, 2014, Student Loan Borrowers Assistance We urge you to read our new report: The Sallie Mae Saga: A Government-Created, Student Debt Fueled Profit Machine. Please also share your experiences if you have had problems with Sallie Mae. Report: How Sallie Mae Became the Largest Student Loan Industry Player at Borrower and Taxpayer Expense There are nearly 39 million borrowers in the U.S. carrying over $1 trillion in federal student loan debt. About $120 billion of federal student loan debt was delinquent in 2012—a 30.5% increase from fiscal year 2011. This burden on borrowers has also created business opportunities for servicers, collectors, and other private companies. A new report from the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) provides insight into the dangers of the federal government relying on a for-profit publicly traded company to protect borrowers and taxpayers and offers recommendations for reform. The Sallie Mae Saga: A Government-Created, Student Debt Fueled Profit Machine reviews the biggest player of all, with connections to every aspect of the student loan industry... Borrowers begin to see refinance options for private student loans By Sheryl Harris, The Plain Dealer on January 21, 2014 at 12:36 PM, updated January 21, 2014 at 6:24 PM Milan Kecman, Plain Dealer Charter One has joined the few lenders offering refinancing for private student loans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been leaning on banks to make it easier for students to refinance private student loans, many of which came with low variable rates before a higher rate kicked in... Cashing in: Federal government makes billions on student loans Posted by John Irwin on January 21, 2014 at 11:58 pm, CM Life As student loan interest rates continue to grow this year, the federal government’s profit has skyrocketed. After the government turned a $41.3 billion profit on student loans last year, the market is larger than ever. Meanwhile, state-level funding cuts nationwide have forced colleges and universities to raise tuition prices on students... 1/21/14
Digital Upgrade for Transcripts January 21, 2014 ByPaul Fain, Inside Higher Ed The much-maligned college transcript is finally going digital. A small group of private firms are seeing increasing demand for their repositories for e-transcripts, as colleges move away from paper versions for both incoming and outgoing students.... Student loans: Cuomo to set up NY watchdog. Student loans watchdog would aim to protect students from predatory lenders. Proposed watchdog group, to be detailed in Gov. Cuomo's budget, would subpoena 13 firms offering debt relief from student loans... By Michael Virtanen, Associated Press / January 21, 2014 Student loans a worry? 10 states with the lowest student debt College, as we all know, is getting prohibitively expensive. Student debt levels, too, are rising: 7 in 10 college seniors who graduated in 2012 incurred student loan debt along the way to the tune of $29,400 on average, according to a recent study from The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) But debt levels aren’t uniform across the country. Read on for the 10 states with the lowest average student debt levels, according to TICAS. Can you guess which state had the lowest debt for seniors who took out student loans?... - Schuyler Velasco, Staff writer 1/21/14 Christian Science Monitor U-M Flint student selling ad space on graduation cap to pay off loans 8:21 AM, January 20, 2014 David Jesse, Detroit Free Press If he’s able to sell all 100 squares — each is 1-inch by 1-inch — for $300 apiece, he’ll have wiped out his debt of 30K.... NOTE: I cannot possibly get all the bills in on this site caught up at this time, so you should refer to GovTrack.us or POPVOX to read the summary or full text of the bills most recently listed. Please bear with me as I try to get caught up. The short descriptions given here will guide you towards which ones you want to read.
1/20/14
Ask Carmen: Tips for choosing student loans How to get rid of your student loans without paying 3 Potential Student Loan Changes to Eye in 2014 U.S. News & World Report Jan 15, 2014 Written by Kelsey Sheehy The pending reauthorization of the Higher Education Act could usher in myriad changes to federalstudent loan programs and interest rates for 2014-2015 loans likely won't remain the same... The Student Loan Crisis Is Here, and It's Pretty Scary DailyFinance - 22 hours ago In 2007, we suffered from a mortgage crisis. Today, we may be suffering from a student debt crisis. New figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York show that while student loan debt is growing, students' ability to repay their debt isn't... Michelle Obama uses life story to promote education initiative Washington Post By Krissah Thompson and Zachary A. Goldfarb, Published: January 17 Higher Ed and the Feds
January 19, 2014 - 9:00pm By Joshua Kim Last week I had the opportunity to spend the day in our nation’s capital, hanging out with higher ed types from across academia, business and government. The gathering was an Education Datapalooza, organized by officials from the White House and the Department of Education. The idea of a Datapalooza is pretty cool. The administration uses its power of convening to bring together people from higher ed, startups, venture firms, publishers, foundations, and government to make commitments to collaborate on tech projects and initiatives. These projects, which can be everything from new websites or apps to new businesses, are put together to address cost, access, retention and quality challenges in higher ed. The Department of Education and other federal agencies have committed to work closely with groups working to spin up these new projects and sites. One example of this effort was the announcement at the Datapalooza event that Department of Education was looking at ways to develop API’s to access FAFSA data... Conclusion 1: Increased Federal Attention and Scrutiny of Higher Education The conclusion that the Obama administration is focusing on higher ed is of zero surprise to anyone who has been halfway paying attention. My takeaway is that this focus on higher ed will be systematic and deep. Driven by deeply held beliefs in the importance of higher education as an engine of economic growth, rather than any sort of political expediency. Conclusion 2: We Have Good Partners at the Federal Level ...From everything that I can see the higher people in the government genuinely want to collaborate with colleges and universities. They want to do whatever they can to help lower costs, improve quality, and lower student debt. Conclusion 3: The Administration Needs to Do a Better Job in Communicating Its Strategy Even after spending some time listening to people in the Obama administration I remain unclear about exactly what non-legislative higher ed policy levers are available... Read full article: http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology-and-learning/higher-ed-and-feds#ixzz2qwAtbNcJ Inside Higher Ed BILLS- 1/19/14 UPDATE
Jan 18, 2014 2:48 a.m. — Bill Text H.R. 3892: To establish student loan borrowers’ rights to basic consumer protections, reasonable and flexible repayment options, access to earned credentials, and effective loan cancellation in exchange for public service, and for other purposes.This bill’s text is now available. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BILL. IT COULD BE MADE BETTER, ESP. WITH THE INCLUSION OF A PROHIBITION AGAINST IRS INVOLVEMENT AFTER LOANS ARE DISCHARGED OR FORGIVEN. BILLS - 1/17/14 UPDATE
INTRODUCED: H.R. 3903: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish fair and consistent eligibility requirements for graduate medical schools operating outside the United States and Canada. H.R. 3921: To incentivize State support for postsecondary education and to promote increased access and affordability for higher education for students, including Dreamer students. S. 1943: A bill to incentivize State support for postsecondary education and to promote increased access and affordability for higher education for students, including Dreamer students. H.R. 3898: To prohibit students who have been convicted of a criminal hazing offense under State law from receiving assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. S. 1952: A bill to provide support to develop career and technical education programs of study and facilities in the areas of renewable energy. H.R. 3915: To direct the Secretary of Education to modify the FAFSA to include a space for the purpose of identifying whether a student is a foster youth, and for other purposes. More BILLS! 1/16/14
I don't have bill pages for these yet, but this section will bring you up-to-date (1/16/14) on what's happened since my last installment. PLEASE refer to Thomas, POPVOX, or govtrack for summaries and full text. Bills introduced: H.R. 3842: To require the Secretary of Education to conduct a feasibility study for using income tax returns as the primary Federal stUdent aid application. H.R. 3841: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that foreign income be considered in the determination of eligibility for grants and loans under that Act. H.R. 3843: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income discharges of Federal student loans as a result of veterans’ service-connected total disability that is permanent in nature. H.R. 3892: To establish student loan borrowers’ rights to basic consumer protections, reasonable and flexible repayment options, access to earned credentials, and effective loan cancellation in exchange for public service, and for other purposes. S. 1904: A bill to amend the eligibility requirements for funding under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. S. 1909: A bill to expand opportunity through greater choice in education, and for other purposes. S. 1884: A bill to establish a Pay It Forward model for funding postsecondary education. S. 1890: A bill to ensure that decisions by the Secretary of Education to award grants or other assistance to States or local educational agencies are not contingent upon the adoption of specific educational curricula. S. 1874: A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen Federal-State partnerships in postsecondary education. S. 1873: A bill to provide for institutional risk-sharing in the Federal student loan programs. Jan 09, 2014 — New Cosponsor H.R. 1946: Responsible Student Loan Solutions Act Jan 06, 2014 — New Cosponsor S. 1754: Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act New Cosponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D-MN] Dec 28, 2013 2:49 a.m. — Bill Text S. 1873: A bill to provide for institutional risk-sharing in the Federal student loan programs. This bill’s text is now available. Dec 18, 2013 9:46 p.m. — Bill Text S. 1803: A bill to require certain protections for student loan borrowers, and for other purposes. This bill’s text is now available. Dec 18, 2013 9:46 p.m. — Bill Text S. 1822: A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish fair and consistent eligibility requirements for graduate medical schools operating outside the United States and Canada. Jan 09, 2014 4:46 a.m. — Bill Text S. 1884: A bill to establish a Pay It Forward model for funding postsecondary education. This bill’s text is now available. Jan 2 - top 20 bills of the week from Popvox - #12 The Protect Student Borrowers Act (S 1873): to provide for institutional risk- sharing in the Federal student loan programs. - https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/s1873 5 Support | 68 Oppose Jan - top bills of the week - #8 Protect Student Borrowers Act (S 1873): To provide for institutional risk-sharing in the Federal student loan programs. - https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/s1873 25 Support | 137 Oppose New bills introduced this month (Dec.) include S.1803, H.R.3694, H.R.3697, H.R.3612, and S.1754. S.1659, POST Act of 2013 (also H.R.3496), added co-sponsor Jack Reed. See more below or go to the corresponding page for more information on each bill (under What can I do?, scroll down to Current Bills - 113th Congress. Bills are in numerical order, House bills first).
From Politico - 1/17/14Meet Obama’s favorite college leader
Nancy Zimpher is a valuable ally for the White House as it considers education reforms. By LIBBY A. NELSON | 1/17/14 2:37 PM EST The next time President Obama touts a new higher education plan, look around. You’ll likely find Nancy L. Zimpher in the background. Zimpher, the chancellor of the State University of New York system, has become the White House’s go-to college president. The love reached new heights Thursday, when Zimpher was picked from nearly 100 college presidents at the White House to brief the press corps with Press Secretary Jay Carney. “I think you’d make a great White House press secretary,” Carney joked as Zimpher stepped down from the podium. (Also on POLITICO: Universities hire politician presidents) But her star turn in the briefing room was just the latest in what’s become a fruitful partnership with the administration. Obama’s sweeping proposal to overhaul financial aid? Proposed in a speech at SUNY-Buffalo that cited Zimpher as an example to other presidents. A “shopping sheet” to help students understand their loan and grant options? SUNY was one of the first universities to sign on. A new agreement to better prevent campus sexual assault?Forged between the Education Department and, yes, Zimpher’s SUNY. At a time when many college presidents are skeptical at best of the administration’s agenda, Zimpher’s close ties to the White House stand out. She’s a valuable ally. The SUNY system is both enormous — a 64-campus behemoth that runs the gamut from community colleges to top research universities — and relatively centralized. Buy-in from Zimpher is the equivalent of reaching dozens of colleges and hundreds of thousands of students. (Earlier: College leaders to meet with Obama) “We’re so big, if we get good ideas, we’re the kind of place that can really take it to scale,” Zimpher said in an interview Thursday night. Those include ideas the White House wants to encourage, like a vast new online degree program: “She is expanding enrollment, embracing the innovative use of technology, and improving education all along the pipeline,” said James Kvaal, deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council. Like many relationships, it all started with an invitation. The White House summoned a dozen college presidents, Zimpher among them, to meet with Obama in late 2011 to talk about college costs. At the time, she found herself impressed by the president’s attention and his understanding of the challenges facing higher education. (Sign up for POLITICO’s Morning Education tip sheet) The administration was impressed, too. “This was really part of her agenda at SUNY regardless of who was in the White House,” said Zakiya Smith, a former senior White House adviser for education, now a strategy director at the Lumina Foundation. She’s also media-savvy. Many college presidents speak in winding paragraphs peppered with caveats; Zimpher, a personable career academic who has led three public universities, can turn complex issues into crisp talking points. So an unofficial partnership was born. When Vice President Joe Biden took his turn meeting with college leaders in 2012, Zimpher was at his right hand. When Obama unveiled his second-term higher ed agenda, he singled her out in his speech. “I have confidence that our country’s colleges and universities will step up — just like Chancellor Zimpher and the folks at SUNY are trying to step up — and lead the way to do the right thing for students,” he said in a speech at SUNY-Buffalo. Zimpher has her own quibbles with some White House proposals. But she and the administration share a similar philosophy on making college pricing easier to understand, and on the need for colleges to demonstrate that taxpayers are getting something for their money. Public university systems are used to being accountable to state lawmakers, Zimpher said. But she added there were valid concerns about the quality of the data the administration will use when it scores and rates colleges. Zimpher has also escaped some of the criticism Obama has leveled at other college presidents. The president “has really pounded us on the cost of college,” she acknowledged cheerfully in the briefing room Thursday. But Obama has lauded SUNY for graduating thousands of students each year with a solid education and less debt than many of their peers. For that, in part, Zimpher can thank her state: New York spends more on higher education per student than most. As a result, tuition and fees for state residents are less than $8,000 — just over half the national average. The low tuition was another plus when looking for a setting for Obama’s speech. “He could say, ‘This is a system really trying to lead,’” Zimpher said. But it wasn’t just the system Obama praised. “Chancellor Zimpher,” he said, “is making sure that hundreds of thousands of SUNY students all across the state are getting a world-class higher education.” Read more about: Short URL: http://politi.co/1dCTczT Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2014/01/barack-obama-nancy-l-zimpher-102326.html#ixzz2qtfA41S5 Robert Applebaum has just informed me that there is a free webinar on Public Service Loan Forgiveness on 12/18/13 at 3 pm at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/748423521. Go to this address and register. They will be covering income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness in-depth. The webinar is being hosted by Equal Justice Works - Helping Lawyers Help Community (www.equaljusticeworks.com).
TAX REFUND ENDS THIS YEAR: UP TO $4000 OF TUITION AND FEES DEDUCTIBLE, so pay your money now and you can deduct it from this years taxes. Next year, that deduction is gone. Hopefully it will be continued or replaced with an even better one.
Recent Education and the Workforce Committee (House) Press Release Invites Public Input On How Obamacare is Affecting Higher Education:
Contact: Press Office (202) 226-9440 Committee Invites Public to Share #YourStory on Effects of ObamaCare on Schools, Colleges, and Universities WASHINGTON, D.C. | December 11, 2013 -Republican leaders on the House Education and the Workforce Committee today released a letter seeking feedback from the American people about the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the nation’s education system. The letter is the committee’s latest effort to examine the impact of the health care law on K-12 schools, universities, and colleges. “The president’s health care law is creating serious challenges for families and businesses, and our schools are not immune from its consequences,” said Chairman John Kline (R-MN). “In fact, witnesses at a recent oversight hearing confirmed the law is forcing state and local education leaders to make tough decisions that could be detrimental to the quality of education students receive. The effort we are launching today will help bring the voices of teachers, parents, administrators, and students to policymakers in Washington. We need to hear from the American people – in their own words – how the health care law is changing their everyday lives.” Press reports continue to highlight the challenges imposed on the education community as a result of the president’s health care law. Students are losing their health plans. Teachers, adjunct faculty, and support staff are having their hours cut. School districts are facing higher costs. At a recent House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing, a witness testified his school system is bracing for $4.6 million in higher costs – potentially costing 58 teaching positions. Another witness warned his university might have to raise tuition by up to 20 percent. As the Republican leaders note in the letter: We are concerned similar events are taking place across the country, diminishing the quality of education for students… We want you to share your stories about this important issue. Has the health care law led to higher or lower costs for your school or university? Are teachers, adjunct professors, support staff, or student workers seeing their hours increased or decreased? Are schools and postsecondary institutions expanding educational services and programs for students or cutting them? Has the health care law created unexpected challenges for your school or college through regulatory burdens or increased costs? People wishing to submit comments to the committee can visit www.edworkforce.house.gov/YourStory or email[email protected]. The letter was signed by:
# # # According to The Hamilton Project, in a paper released this month co-authored by Melissa S. Kearney and Benjamin Harris,
"nearly one out of two families in the struggling lower-middle class is headed by an adult who has attended college. College attainment differs markedly by poverty status. As illustrated in figure 4, 33 percent of household family heads below 100 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) attended at least some college, although just 6 percent of those family heads have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Among household family heads with income between 100 and 250 percent of the FPL, 48 percent have attended some college, and14 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In stark contrast to those living at or below 250 percent of the FPL, 77 percent of household family heads above 250 percent of the FPL attended at least some college, and about half have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Only a very small share of this group (4 percent) did not earn a high school diploma." |
3/12/14 The Education Department needs to do a better job of ensuring that college students aren't being taken advantage of by their colleges or universities or services hired by these institutions when they try to collect their federal financial aid. That's the conclusion of an Education Department Inspector General report [http://1.usa.gov/1foB3m9 ]...money may come in debit card or check - servicers paid extra fees and collected extra info on students. Ed. Dept. is in middle of neg. rulemaking on debit cards: session later this month: http://1.usa.gov/1nJOmnQ .
HOW CAN HIGHER ED DATA CIRCULATE BETTER? It's a question the Education Department wants help answering. The agency is soliciting ideas about how to best use existing government data and processes to build products, services and apps to advance postsecondary education, share information with students and help colleges innovate, a notice in today's Federal Register says. Specifically, the department wants to boost access to information about higher ed already available and wants to know how so-called application program interfaces can play a role. These could spur new tools that increase enrollment in student aid programs and give consumers information about college affordability and performance, as just one example, the department says. But the effort is separate of the college ratings proposal. Comments are due by June 2: http://1.usa.gov/Ro5xkr.
Here is the electronic copy of March 2014, issue of Youth Resource Connections (YRC) published monthly by the Division of Youth Services (DYS), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. It is available on the Youth Connections Community of Practice: https://youth.workforce3one.org/.
Speaking of gainful employment, the notice of proposed rulemaking dropped in the Federal Register this morning. The Education Department will accept public comment through May 27. http://1.usa.gov/1liIbJ1 See 3/26/14 News in left column on this page.
WEBINARS & HEARINGS:
None announced as of 4/16/14
Publications Globalization in Higher Education is a free compilation of articles about long-term trends in the recruitment of foreign students, study abroad, internationalization of the curriculum, online education and more. Download the booklet here. This booklet is part of a series of such compilations that Inside Higher Ed is publishing on a range of topics. Cornell University professor Suzanne Mettler's new book,Degrees of Inequality: How the Politics of Higher Education Sabotaged the American Dream (Basic Books), argues federal lawmakers have failed to maintain a rational higher ed policy but come together on behalf of for-profits that spend generously. Read Ry Rivard’s interview with the author plus all Inside Higher Ed's books coverage by clicking here. Careers section – we’ve made big changes to our search and browse functions and have more innovations in the works http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/28/colleges-use-fafsa-information-reject-students-and-potentially-lower-financial-aid - Read before you apply for FAFSA!!
Student loan debt hits record 1 in 5 US households Student loan debt has reached a record 1 in 5 US households, with the biggest burdens falling on the young and poor. Because of the sluggish economy, fewer college students than before are able to settle into full-time careers immediately upon graduation, contributing to the jump in student loan debt...
By Hope Yen, Associated Press / September 27, 2012 GREAT NEWS! The CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a rule that will allow it to regulate the top 7 non-bank student loan servicers of both public and private loans. The CFPB still oversees all non-bank student loan servicers, no matter what size. The Bureau is determined to provide much-needed oversight of the student loan system. Amongst a host of problems with the system, "The CFPB has previously released reports highlighting serious problems in the student loan servicing market, including issues with improper payment applications, account transfers, and failure to provide adequate relief options." To read more from the CFPB on the subject, go here.
At a University of London protest, police clash with students and one is accused of punching student
Among other things, students are still protesting tuition hikes and are against privatization of the University... An Education and the Workforce Committee (House) Press Release on their 12/03/13 discussion on Pell Grants:
Contact: Press Office (202) 226-9440 Committee Explores Proposals to Strengthen Pell Grant Program to Better Support Low-Income Students WASHINGTON, D.C. | December 3, 2013 -The Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), today held a hearing entitled, “Keeping College Within Reach: Strengthening the Pell Grant Program for Future Generations.” The 11th hearing in a series designed to prepare for the Higher Education Act reauthorization, today’s discussion provided members an opportunity to examine proposals to improve the Pell Grant program. To learn more about today’s hearing, or to watch an archived webcast, visit www.edworkforce.house.gov/hearings. |