Financial aid

Possible end game for competency-based education emerges with five new "direct assessment" programs, as foundations and experts discuss how to ensure academic quality.

A focus group study of financial aid award letters suggests students and parents want clear information, but haven't found it in existing recommendations for financial aid disclosures.

The U.S. Department of Education encourages colleges and accreditors to move forward on competency-based education programs that don't rely on the credit hour.

Examining the results of the Gates Foundation's efforts to change the conversation around federal financial aid.

Mandatory budget cuts take effect at midnight tonight. While the specific effects of the cuts are still unclear, colleges warn they will be harmful.

Mandatory budget cuts are scheduled to take effect March 1. This time, colleges fear it might actually happen, but have little idea how the cuts would be applied.

Changes to grant eligibility are hitting transfer students, and returning dropouts, particularly hard.

Two new reports by the College Board show more moderate tuition increases than in previous years, but restrictions on federal aid spending could lead to higher net prices going forward.

Despite ever-growing concern about student debt, enrollment lags in federal government programs that tie loan repayment to borrowers' income.

Competency-based education is poised to spread, with expected backing from the Education Department and new ground charted by Southern New Hampshire University.