Federal policy

Bill introduced Thursday would create a federal database to track students through college and into the work force, but it's unclear whether "unit record" idea will find more favor than it did seven years ago.

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

With concurrent hearings, Congress takes the first tentative steps toward reauthorizing the Higher Education Act.

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.

Western Governors U. and others continue to expand competency-based education amid excitement (and confusion) about President Obama's praise of the approach.

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

Advocates for liberal arts education worry that White House’s new College Scorecard oversimplifies the college-selection process and places too much emphasis on financial aspects of the decision.

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.

A last-minute deal in Congress puts off mandatory spending cuts for two months and extends a tax break for college tuition.