Author: Laurie Arnston

Strengthening America’s Regional Public Universities

A new Third Way report urges tailored federal and state support for regional public universities—rural and urban alike—that educate the majority of four-year public college students and drive local workforce development.

How Major Restrictions Silently Reshape Student Pathways

When university departments face increasing demand, many implement additional entry requirements. But this seemingly reasonable practice has far-reaching consequences for equity and workforce development, according to new research from Strada Education Foundation surveying recent college graduates.

The State of Student Mental Health at HBCUs

A report by UNCF, in partnership with the Healthy Minds Network and The Steve Fund, found that Black students at HBCUs demonstrate more positive mental health outcomes compared to students overall.

Three Easy Tax Fixes That Would Help Students Succeed

As Congress takes on tax reform, three bipartisan fixes—ending the tax on Pell Grants, modernizing employer education benefits, and simplifying tax credits—could make college more affordable for millions of students.

More Pell Grant Recipients Enrolling at Top-Tier Universities

New research from Brookings shows that the rise in Pell Grant recipients at wealthy colleges over the past decade is likely due to increased application and enrollment by low-income students, rather than changes in eligibility or admissions standards.

Republican Voters Value Higher Education. Here Are Their Priorities.

A recent survey of 500 Republican voters nationwide conducted by Third Way and the Republican polling firm GS Strategy Group found that Republicans value and support higher education, are in favor of less invasive reforms, and largely support policies directed at college affordability and accountability.

For Parenting Students, Campus Support Bolsters Outcomes

A new report from Trellis Strategies evaluates the impact of the Parenting Students Project (PSP) at Austin Community College (ACC), highlighting the challenges student parents face and the program’s efforts to support them.

Building Infrastructure for Non-Degree Credentials

With the continued increase of alternative, non-degree credentials, education and professional stakeholders have developed quality frameworks meant to guide these credentials. The authors of a new report from PSCWP examine and evaluate criteria and data used in current credential quality frameworks.