Higher Education / Public News Service

Virginians ages 35-49 have the most student loan debt in the state, with $16.7 billion in outstanding loans. (Adobe Stock)

VA student borrowers affected by courts pausing SAVE program

Virginia student loan borrowers will feel the effects of federal courts blocking more student loan forgiveness. The Biden administration forgave …

The average college scholarship recipient in New Mexico is under 25 years old, female and Hispanic. (Julie/Adobe Stock)

New Mexico earns high marks, boosts enrollment with no-cost college

New Mexico consistently ranks low in childhood educational achievement, but its path to a college degree is being recognized at the highest levels…

Some 24% of people with student-loan debt say they do not expect they'll ever be able to pay it off, according Bankrate. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit calls Biden's student debt initiatives economic justice

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have different views on most issues, and student loan debt is no different. In the Reno-Sparks …

More than 30 tribal nations are represented at the University of South Dakota, according to the institution. (Wikimedia Commons)

USD threats to fire staff part of larger trend

The University of South Dakota threatened to fire staff members in what some see as an ongoing attack on academic freedom, according to reporting in …

The majority of enrollees in the U.S. Department of Education's Saving on a Valuable Education program today have $0 payments, while borrowers who still owe a payment are saving an estimated $102 a month, according to the department. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Dept. of Education should improve student loan outreach

Policy analysts are concerned the Department of Education is not reaching and engaging with low-income and disadvantaged student loan borrowers in the…

One in eight undergraduate students at Virginia public colleges is also a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA public college policies can help student parents

A new report examines how Virginia public colleges can help student parents. The Urban Institute report reviews three policies schools can …

Administrators says the comprehensive pathway will allow students to seamlessly transition from high school to higher education and complete a degree in record time. (ktsdesign/Adobe Stock)

Texas Tech, TTU K-12 offer six-year degree plan

Texas Tech University and the online public-school TTU K-12 are teaming up to offer high school students an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in…

More than 40 U.S. colleges and universities now obtain 100% or more of their electricity from renewable energy sources while at least 76 schools get at least 50% of their energy from renewables, according to the Public Interest Network. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Dartmouth decarbonization plan preps students for climate-related future

Officials at Dartmouth College say a massive campus decarbonization project will serve as a real-world classroom for students interested in sustainabi…

Studies have found that approximately 26% of all female undergraduate students and nearly 7% of all male undergraduate students have experienced sexual assault, according to the American Association of University Women. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates: New rules strengthen protections for sexual-assault victims

Ohio advocates said the Biden administration's new Title IX regulations better protect victims of sexual assault, even as a group of states …

From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Direct Subsidized Loans had a 4.99% interest rate with a maximum of $5,500, while Direct Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates had the same interest rate and can go up to $20,500, minus any subsidized amounts received. (Small Smiles_dimple/Adobe Stock)

Rising interest rates prompt higher loan costs for MO students

Federal student loan interest rates have surged to their highest levels in over a decade, posing yet another challenge for Missouri students and …

Merit America's goal is to drive $1 billion in wage gains by 2025, by retraining low-wage workers for better-paying jobs in the tech sector. (BullRun/Adobe Stock)

CA tech job-training program expands with $15 million grant

Help is available for people looking to break out of a low-wage, "go-nowhere" job because the nonprofit Merit America is expanding its training …

About 1.3 million public school educators and 100,000 college and university professors have been affected by educational gag orders from 2021 through 2023, according to a new report from the American Association of University Professors. (Adobe Stock)

University of Wyoming dealing with state’s cuts to diversity office

The University of Wyoming is scrambling to address a major funding cut state legislators passed in a footnote to the state budget. During this …

The Summer Earn and Learn program in Texas helps thousands of students with disabilities jumpstart their careers and gain familiarity with different working environments. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

TX students with disabilities gain workforce training through summer internship

Teens and young adults in Texas who have disabilities have an opportunity to get a paid internship this summer. The Texas Workforce Commission …

CICPIndiana.com reports the average wage in the life sciences industry, $108,800, is twice that of the average-wage worker in the private sector. (Adobe Stock)

Top Indiana industry leaders team up for youth STEM careers

Companies are consistently looking for fresh talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. A central Indiana organization is …

The number of Arkansas children living in poverty remained the same as last year. (bonniemarie/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas receives mixed results in annual Kids Count Data Book

Arkansas is ranked 45th in the 2024 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report ranks states on the overall condition …

MassEducate would invest $75.5 million in new spending to cover tuition and fees for all residents, and offer an up to $1,200 stipend for books, supplies and other costs to students who make 125% or less of median income in the state. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Free community college plan in MA burdens underpaid, overworked staff

The Massachusetts Senate has proposed free community college for all residents, but educators say an influx of new students could overwhelm the …

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program Director Patrick Alexander, far right, and PTCPP teaching assistant, Juyoun Jang, far left, celebrate with PTCPP students who completed the Summer 2022 course titled,

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program empowers men at Parchman

A program in Mississippi is increasing access to educational opportunities for those behind bars. The University of Mississippi's Prison-to-College …

Ohio House Bill 285, the Nurse Workforce and Safe Patient Care Act, was introduced in Sept. 2023. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Nurses Association declares 'Code Red' hospital staffing crisis

By Mara O'Malley / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. The Ohio Nurses Association …

Alabama has experienced one of the largest declines in FAFSA completion rates, with a staggering 23% decrease in the number of students completing their applications. The state now ranks 50th in terms of year-over-year change. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alabama group works to increase college access with summer support

Advocates for higher education in Alabama are mobilizing to ensure students have the support they need for federal student aid applications this summe…

Semiconductor manufacturing openings are growing in Oregon. (Acronym/Adobe Stock)

Report: OR workforce grows, but gaps should be addressed

A new report analyzes the workforce dynamics in Oregon and how the state can address gaps for workers and industries. The 2024 Talent Assessment …

The five states included in the Gulf Coast Resilience Network are Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Child care centers along the TX coast prep for hurricane season

The advocacy group Save the Children is working with child care providers along the Texas coast ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The …

A new Interdisciplinary Arts degree at William Peace University will be a Bachelor of Arts and replaces the university's Bachelor of Fine Arts, theatre, musical theatre, and arts administration degrees. (Adobe Stock)

NC university introduces customizable degree program

A North Carolina university wants to break the mold for people studying the arts. A new degree program will not require students to narrow their …

Indiana University's campuses are vastly different in size and scope. IU Indianapolis has around 24,000 students, while IU Bloomington has around 48,000. (Adobe file)

Distinct vibes at IU Indianapolis pro-Palestinian protest

By Claire Rafford for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News…

According to various tracking organizations, 47% of FAFSA applicants are first-generation college students. (Adobe Stock)

New digital tool emerges to help MN students with FAFSA woes

The effect of technical glitches in overhauling the student financial-aid form known as FAFSA is still being felt. Issues stemming from a redesign …

Family of slain UARK student uses tragedy to help others

A nonprofit organization is working to reduce the stress on trauma survivors - and it began with a tragedy. "Project Beloved" creates "soft" police …

In making it easier to obtain a master's degree in nursing, officials with North Dakota's University of Jamestown say they can close gaps in turning out more nursing educators. The industry has been plagued with shortages in those who can train future nurses. (Adobe Stock)

Technology, flexibility at core of new ND nursing degree program

When students return to a North Dakota college this fall, some will be in a new nursing program. Leaders say not only will it help with workforce …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana's industrial sector is the state's largest energy consumer, accounting for 46% of the state's energy consumption in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

IN university hopes to lead in environmental responsibility

A central Indiana university has taken the initiative to address environmental challenges on campus and in the nearby community. Surveys conducted …

Leaders with the nonprofit Achieving the Dream say rural community colleges often aren't viewed, as are universities, as the

With national support, MN rural community college can reshape its future

A Minnesota community college serving rural students is getting a lift as it works to bring more innovation to its campus. The school was selected …

Ho-Chunk, Inc., Apprenticeship Program participant Marquez Bass (right) works with Information Technology Technician Blade Smith to run network cable at one of the company's buildings in Winnebago, Nebraska. (Ho-Chunk, Inc.)

NE Winnebago Tribe apprenticeships prepare students, build workforce

Workforce watchers project the country could face critical worker shortages in many of the skilled trades in coming years. The Nebraska Winnebago …

A Harvard study from 2021 said 96.4% of Black Lives Matter protests were nonviolent, despite widely reported vandalism, property damage and looting in the news. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in MS and beyond

In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest …

In teacher training programs, critics said a new Indiana law could create a snowball effect on preservice teachers and their future students. (Adobe stock)

New IN law stirs debate over academic freedom, teacher training

By Aleksandra Appleton for the Chalkbeat Indiana .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Chalkbeat Indiana-Free Pre…

When student demonstrators gather unopposed, data show police have intervened in pro-Palestine demonstrations four times more than pro-Israel demonstrations. (Suiren2022/Wikimedia Commons)

Virginia groups show support for ongoing college protests

Some Virginia groups are choosing to offer support to pro-Palestine student protestors. Recent weeks have seen more than 100 arrests of protestors …

Junior and senior Educators Rising members with Dr. Khalid Mumin, PA Secretary of Education, and Dr. Keith Miles, School District of Lancaster Superintendent. (School District of Lancaster)<br />

Education association tackles teacher shortage with 'Educators Rising' program

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools, prompting a new "Educators Rising" …

The Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change, clean energy, clean transportation, affordable housing, water infrastructure, workforce development and pollution remediation to disadvantaged communities. (elnariz/adobe stock)

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

A collaboration between the federal government and local communities works to create new career opportunities. The Flint Environmental Career Worker …

Ohio students participate in a die-in at Case Western University on April 19 in protest over what they say is an ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

After hundreds of Ohio students gathered at Kent State University over the weekend to protest the conflict in Gaza, on the 54th anniversary of …

Students and faculty at Northeastern University in Boston surround a pro-Palestinian encampment on their school's campus, which stood for two days before administrators called in police to remove it. (Ehn)

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism

Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism …

Downtown Hazard, Kentucky, is shown with one of several colorful murals added in recent years. (Austin Anthony for The Hechinger Report)<br />

As some rural states cut higher education, Kentucky does the opposite

By Kelly Field for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public New…

At Bryn Mawr College, President Kim Cassidy asked the organizers of the pro-Palestinian encampment on Merion Green to leave the site by the end of the day. (Halfpoint/Adobe)

Students at Bryn Mawr College in PA protest war in Gaza

Pennsylvania is among the states where massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing. Elez Beresin-Scher, a sociology …

Protest encampments such as this one at San Francisco State University against the war in Gaza have now spread to a half dozen campuses across California. (Sam Cheng/Adobestock)

Campus protests opposing war in Gaza grow across CA

Massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing at universities across California, with classes canceled at the University …

In 2022, New Mexico joined the ranks of states offering free college for most through its Opportunity Scholarship. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

New Mexico is taking a deep dive into its funding of public colleges and universities to determine if inequities need to be addressed. The Higher …

North Carolina is home to approximately 675,000 veterans, 20,000 National Guard reservists and 100,000 active-duty service members. (Adobe Stock)

UNC system streamlines military credit conversion for college degrees

For active-duty service members and veterans eyeing a college degree, the march to academic success just got easier. The University of North Carolina …

The National College Attainment Network reported the graduating high school class of 2023 in New York left more than $226 million in Pell grants unclaimed, the fourth-highest of any state. (Adobe Stock)

NY approves universal FAFSA access for graduating students

New York's 2025 budget creates universal access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program. School districts statewide will have the …

The number of undergraduate degree earners fell for the second year in a row in the 2022-23 academic years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

More than 70% of adults with student loans report having delayed at least one significant life event because of their debt situation, yet a new …

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ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

As of March, 5.6 million students had been reached by the JED Campus Program, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

College students' mental health improves with adequate support

Mental Health Awareness Month starts next week, and a new report finds a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college …

As of March 2024, 243 schools have completed JED Campus and 201 are active JED campuses, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Suicidal ideation, planning, attempts decrease on college campuses

A new report showed a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college campuses around the nation, as well as improved …

Among his recommendations for the coming legislative session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is asking lawmakers to make recommendations about school safety and

TX educators react to Lt. Gov. priorities for next legislative session

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

Creedon Newell practices teaching construction skills in Wyoming's new career and technical educator bridge course, designed to encourage trades students and professionals to pursue a career in CTE teaching. (Photo by Rob Hill)

Repairing the pipeline for WY rural career, technical educators

By Lane Wendell Fischer for the Shasta Scout via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Public News …

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