Government

Education Department plans a new platform aimed at smoothing applications for student aid and helping borrowers manage loan payments. But Congress must act to remove the most serious obstacles to completion of the FAFSA.

As states become more active in regulating the companies that collect and handle student loan payments, servicers seek answer from Secretary DeVos on whether federal policy pre-empts new rules.

W. Kent Barnds asks: Are they really that different?

With nearly 50 different local tuition-free initiatives, California colleges contemplate how they may merge existing programs with a new statewide plan.

Plan targets large endowments of private colleges and eliminates many deductions benefiting student loan borrowers and graduate students.

The higher ed lobby has singled out specific provisions of Republicans’ proposed tax overhaul instead of taking on the idea that loopholes should be closed to pay for lower corporate taxes. Leaders say that’s the right strategy, even though polling shows the bill is widely unpopular.

Exempting tuition waivers from taxation is not only fair, but it is also a continuing commitment to the economic and societal benefits of accessible higher education, argues Mary Grace B. Hébert.

Tax on wealthy private college endowments is included. Deductions for state and local taxes -- viewed as essential by public higher ed -- would be killed. Some other provisions of House bill opposed by colleges are not included.