Federal policy

Reciprocity agreements would make the U.S. government's "state authorization" rule less burdensome for institutions and state agencies, but agreeing on standards could be hard.

The broad authority of the deficit "super committee," and its secrecy, have presented challenges for college groups hoping to protect student aid, research and other higher ed priorities.

As details emerge on Republican plans to cut Pell Grant spending, many say it could be worse, while community colleges see a "body blow."

House's proposed budget for 2012 would keep maximum Pell Grant at $5,550, but change rules so fewer students are eligible. Bill would boost funds for NIH.

A federal panel asking whether Higher Education Act regulations are burdensome got an earful.

Proposed rule would ease requirements for approval for new vocational programs.

A Senate panel approved an Education Department budget that would sustain the maximum Pell Grant in part by ending subsidized interest during student loans' grace period.

New requirement that colleges display "net price calculators" could reshape tuition pricing, financial aid policies and admissions -- or maybe not.

Faced with deep cuts to federal funding for foreign languages, some universities are dropping uncommon -- and strategically important -- languages.

In response to a survey on new "state authorization" rules, many colleges say they plan to abandon certain states rather than obtain permission from all 50.