CAPPS

The Accreditation Cartel: How Six Organizations Control $120 Billion in Federal Aid

The Accreditation Cartel: How Six Organizations Control $120 Billion in Federal Aid

University Hearld Chris John March 3, 2026 An investigative deep-dive into regional accreditors’ power, conflicts of interest, resistance to reform, and the Trump administration’s battle to break their monopoly For every dollar America’s regional accreditors spend evaluating college quality, they unlock $1,693 in federal student aid. This staggering ratio—$75 million […]

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‘We will hold institutions accountable,’ top US education official vows

‘We will hold institutions accountable,’ top US education official vows

Higher Ed Dive Natalie Schwartz February 27, 2026 At the American Council on Education’s annual conference, Under Secretary Nicholas Kent promised changes to accreditation and other policies. WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent issued a stark warning to a room full of college leaders Friday during the American […]

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Lawmakers and Universities Push Back on Loan Caps

Lawmakers and Universities Push Back on Loan Caps

Inside Higher Ed Jessica Blake March 4, 2026 Politicians from both sides of the aisle sharply criticized the Education Department’s narrow interpretation of the legislation, which limits the number of students with access to large federal loans. Hundreds of lawmakers have joined dozens of university leaders and academic trade associations […]

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How Well Do For-Profit Colleges Serve Black Students?

How Well Do For-Profit Colleges Serve Black Students?

Inside Higher Ed Sara Weissman March 5, 2026 These colleges enroll higher shares of Black students compared to other institutions, and larger percentages of those students take on debt, according to a new report. Black students are overrepresented at for-profit colleges and take out loans to attend these institutions at […]

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2026 Higher Education Trends

2026 Higher Education Trends

Government and Public Services February 24, 2026 America’s higher education sector is poised for reinvention as declining enrollment, university funding cuts, advancing AI, and evolving regulations reshape the college landscape America’s higher education system is facing intense pressure from all sides. Enrollment is declining, public confidence is weakening, and policymakers […]

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Higher Ed Must Change, but There’s Little Agreement on How

Higher Ed Must Change, but There’s Little Agreement on How

Inside Higher Ed  Jessica Blake February 27, 2026 The top higher ed official, Nicholas Kent, flaunted the speed and breadth of the administration’s higher ed reforms in a room full of skeptical sector leaders. WASHINGTON, D.C.—Education under Secretary Nicholas Kent opened day two of the American Council on Education’s annual […]

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Governing Workforce Pell Grants at the State Level

Governing Workforce Pell Grants at the State Level

Educate Commission  Shytance Wren February 24, 2026 Last summer, the H.B. 1 was passed by the U.S. Congress. This legislation allows students to apply Pell Grants to short-term training programs beginning July 1, 2026, which could open up myriad new workforce opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. However, the way states implement […]

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