Loan programs

Bipartisan bill would ban lender gifts to colleges and service on advisory boards; U.S. student loan official quits.

House Republicans join Democrats in backing student loan reform bill, but parties disagree on extent of underlying problems.

Presidential candidates start offering specific plans, especially on student loans, and groups seek more attention for education issues.

Congressional Democrats' maneuver clears way for big cuts to lenders and more aid for students.

Joining proposals from Congress and Cuomo, Education Department proposes rules governing lender-college relationships.

"Thank you for considering signing on to the attached group letter, which encourages Congress to continue making higher education accessible and affordable using the widest range of government- and private-sector loan programs and partnerships," the handwritten letter begins.

As the student loan scandal has unfolded in recent months, college financial aid officers and their advocates have repeatedly dismissed the hysteria as a case of a few bad apples in an ethical orchard. But a report released Thursday by Senator Edward M.

Trustees' group says student loan reform bill would bar presidents and board members from bank boards, but others disagree.

Looking around the crowded Senate hearing room Wednesday, it was relatively easy, at first glance, to sort out the winners and losers as the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions approved a package of legislation to renew the Higher Education Act.

As Congress weighs price-based auction, lenders and industry critics debate whether the approach would help or hurt students.