State Policy

As states compete for a shrinking group of freshmen, historic out-of-state tuition premiums may no longer be a sure source of income for state higher ed systems.

A growing number of Democratic candidates at the state and federal level are running on free college. But there's a sharp divide within the party and liberal policy circles over the concept.

Five years after it was launched, Tennessee Promise has catalyzed seismic positive change, writes Mike Krause.

By Mike Krause

Two nonpartisan research groups are urging policy makers to examine the details of tuition-free programs and make them more financially helpful for low-income students.

North Dakota governor moves toward revamping board of higher education, citing "powerful economic forces," but overhaul is a hard sell.

More states should consider creating rural higher education centers, writes Anne Kim, and colleges should embrace such centers as a way to help more students succeed.

By Anne Kim

States focused on closing racial gaps in college achievement are seeing progress, but more can be done.

That compact -- between colleges, state governments and others -- means making a sustained investment in low-income, first-generation and minority students, writes Joni Finney.

By Joni Finney