After Reconciliation: Higher Ed Reform and Where Left–Right Collaboration Matters Most
Explore institutional priorities & perspectives on three key areas of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is the biggest shake-up to federal higher education policy in more than a decade. And while the bill passed on partisan lines, implementing it to maximize student success and postsecondary value requires real bipartisan cooperation.
With negotiated rule making under way, and 2026 implementation deadlines looming, Inside Higher Ed invites you to a live webcast, based on findings from our recent deep dive report. Senior Editor for Special Content Colleen Flaherty and Ben Upton, the report's author, along with a panel of higher education experts, will take a closer look at conservative, progressive, and institutional priorities and perspectives on three key areas of the OBBBA:
- Institutional accountability for student outcomes
- New loan limits and payment reforms
- Changes to the Pell Grant program, including the introduction of Workforce Pell
The discussion will also cover common concerns around the OBBBA, such as the tight timeline for adoption, the data infrastructure to support changes, aligning earnings regulations, handling repayment plan transfers with care, protecting the Pell Grant budget and more. Another challenge: execution by an Education Department in transition.
To get the most out of the webcast, download and explore the deep dive report.
Can't attend the webcast? You should still register -- all registrants, including attendees and absentees, will receive a recording of the webcast and a copy of the presentation slides.
Additional resources:
- Analysis on accountability (pre-negotiated rulemaking): “How Do College Programs Measure Up Against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s New Accountability Standard?” (PEER Center, American University)
- Analysis on program-level accountability: “Low-Earning Degrees Will Soon Lose Access to Federal Loans—Is Yours on the List?” (American Enterprise Institute)
- Doug Lederman's new op-ed column: "Tough Love" (Inside Higher Ed)
- “Connecticut Higher Ed Leaders Propose New Student Loan” (Inside Higher Ed)
- Inside Higher Ed articles on negotiated rulemaking: