Federal policy

Congressional races shake out much as expected, with Republicans winning House majority and a handful of Democrats on education panel hanging on in the Senate.

A coherent agenda on higher ed policy has yet to emerge for the new Congress.

Republicans block final vote on bill to help undocumented students nationwide; Nebraska judge upholds law letting them qualify for in-state tuition rates.

With states supporting a smaller share of public universities' budgets, should the federal government step in?

New GAO report recommends further oversight of Defense Department's Tuition Assistance Program.

Discussion of forthcoming federal definition of "credit hour" and expanding state authorization requirements shows lawmakers on both sides of aisle share worry about too much regulation.

As Congressional Republicans lay out plan to slash trillions from the budget deficit in 2012 and beyond, need-based aid and research spending could face cuts.

Education Department plans change in key federal privacy act to let state agencies share student data more freely -- alarming privacy advocates.

In the last-minute 2011 budget compromise, lawmakers sustain maximum Pell of $5,550, but cut summer grants. Attention now turns to 2012.

A new report about how states divvied up stimulus money for education suggests looming problems for higher ed.