Resources
Higher Learning Advocates’ federal policy resources include the most current data on adult students, parenting students, college affordability, equity, and more. Our work has resulted in positive change for today’s students, including access to discounted broadband for Pell students, the establishment of emergency aid funds, and increased financial aid for parenting students.
Policies Impacting Today’s Part-Time Students
Today’s students are more diverse than previous generations. Twenty-four percent are parents, 37 percent are older than 25, 49 percent are financially independent, and 42 percent are students of color. About 40 percent of today’s students attend part-time. Unfortunately, the current higher education system — and the policies that govern it — can result in…
Stackable Credentials Backgrounder
Author: India Heckstall Today’s students are more diverse than previous generations—they are more likely to be workers, parents, and returning adults—and do not always follow a single and consistent path to employment. As our current workforce requires lifelong learning and re-skilling, individuals now require multiple entry and exit points through postsecondary education and the workforce,…
What Works for Today’s Students—Microgrants
Currently, only about half of students who enroll in college graduate within eight years of beginning their studies. Microgrants can help to increase this number. Download our new policy brief, What Works for Today’s Students—Microgrants, to learn more about how microgrants are working to support today’s students, the challenges institutions encounter in funding emergency grant…
Joint Letter from HLA, TICAS, and CLASP on the FAFSA Simplification Act
Higher Learning Advocates sent a joint letter with the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) and the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) encouraging policymakers to consider two specific improvements to the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2019 that would further strengthen the bill for the benefit of students and their families. Read the…
Outcomes-Based Accountability: Holding Institutions Accountable for Successful Student Loan Repayment
Today’s students’ loan debt totals over $1.5 trillion, and more than 1 million students default on loans each year. With this astronomical amount of student loan debt that continues to rise, students should be assured that the institutions they’re attending are providing high-quality student outcomes. Unfortunately, that is not what’s happening. Outcomes-Based Accountability: Holding Institutions…
101: Federal Accountability in Higher Education
The 101: Federal Accountability in Higher Education explains significant accountability measurement requirements that institutions of higher education must meet to gain access to federal student aid programs. Today’s students deserve to attend institutions that offer high-quality programs and credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and earnings. Download our 101: Federal Accountability in Higher Education to…
Letter to House Education and Labor Committee: Accreditation in the College Affordability Act
On Monday, October 28, Higher Learning Advocates, along with eight other groups, submitted a letter to the House Education and Labor Committee on proposed changes in the proposed College Affordability Act related to the requirements for accrediting agency recognition. Read the full letter here.
Letter to House Education and Labor Committee: The College Affordability Act
On October 28, Higher Learning Advocates sent a letter to leaders of the House Education and Labor Committee on the College Affordability Act. Read the full letter here.
State Profiles
State profiles feature key data points, visual infographics, and brief explanations of all 50 states, and are a quick and easy resource for policymakers, analysts and media.