Higher Ed Policy Roundup: Vol. 9 - Issue 3

Late last week, the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that it has reopened the process for Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) debt reporting until February 18, 2025. Recall that the GE and FVT rules are meant to increase transparency and cut off federal funding to underperforming non-degree programs and programs at for-profit institutions. Institutions had until January 15 to comply with the reporting requirements, but FSA has provided the extension to allow more time for schools that were unable to complete the debt reporting.

Denise Carter, who served as acting chief operating officer of FSA, has been named as the Education Department's (ED) Acting Secretary. President Trump nominated Linda McMahon, who served as his transition team’s co-chair and is known for her work in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as ED Secretary. However, a Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled for McMahon, and Carter will serve as Acting Secretary until an official Secretary is confirmed. e to do no earlier than September 2025.” Additionally, first payments will be due no earlier than December 2025.

The Congressional Research Service recently published an updated appropriations status report for fiscal year 2025, which provides a comprehensive overview of the legislative process and decisions regarding discretionary funding for various government activities.

According to recent data from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the number of employers offering student loan benefits has more than tripled in the past five years, increasing from four percent to 14% in 2024.

There were no relevant student-aid related bills recently introduced for consideration by the 119th Congress (2025-26).