Higher Ed Policy Roundup: Vol. 5 - Issue 18

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education announced a plan to hold public hearings to solicit feedback regarding future rulemaking on federal higher education policies. The topics that will be discussed at the hearings include income-contingent loan repayment plans, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and loan discharges for borrowers with a total and permanent disability, among other topics. The hearings will take place on June 21, 23, and 24. A link to register to attend virtually and to submit comments can be found here.

New America is out with a report that provides trend data on attitudes about the value of higher education, including that 76 percent of those surveyed believe higher education offers a good return on investment.

A new Pew Research Center analysis of data from the Federal Reserve Board finds that first-generation college graduates have lower incomes and less wealth than peers who have at least one college-educated parent.

The Supreme Court will consider taking up a case that challenges Harvard University’s use of racial criteria in its admissions process, which could significantly diminish affirmative action in higher education.

There were no relevant student-aid related bills recently introduced for consideration by the 117th Congress (2021-2022).