State policy

When Idaho regulators contacted two unaccredited colleges about their lack of state approval, the institutions seem to have relocated -- to a state where they wouldn't be so encumbered.

As usual sources of financial backing dry up, Illinois and North Carolina loan providers work with state credit unions to ensure continued flow of funds to student borrowers.

Officials debate whether proposal to allow local taxes will provide needed funds or just favor wealthier districts while letting the state off the hook.

To the dismay of some students and employees, Pennsylvania's system of state-owned universities uses new law curbing "indoor" smoking to ban it everywhere on its 14 campuses.

Northern Kentucky U. had a disaster plan in place for a major budget cut. When the cut was smaller than expected, the plan went forward anyway in the interest of meeting state and regional goals.

California and New York governors propose a round of midyear budget reductions for higher education, and more states are expected to follow suit.

With state facing major deficit and painful budget cuts, head of university system says Nevadans are just as deserving as Wall Street firms getting federal aid.

Public universities issue report on "looming affordability challenge." Analysis finds limited public understanding of college costs and calls for substantially different policies. With a podcast.

Biennial report on states' performance in higher ed finds small gains in college preparation and completion -- offset by socioeconomic gaps and failure to keep pace with advances by other countries.

As higher ed productivity project unveils new grants, several aim to help states more closely tie colleges' funding to their success in getting students through.