American Institutes for Research, in partnership with Lumina Foundation, is researching how colleges and universities can better design programs and messaging to meet the needs of Black, Hispanic, and Native American adult learners. A 2024 review of 350 institution websites highlighted promising practices in presenting key information to these learners.
Author: Laurie Arnston
FAFSA for All: A Game-Changer for College Access in Alabama
A policy mandating FAFSA completion for all graduating seniors has transformed college access in Alabama, opening doors for thousands of low-income students. With dramatic improvements in some of the state’s poorest counties, this game-changing approach shows the power of direct outreach and challenges other states to rethink how they expand educational opportunity.
Strengthening U.S. Competitiveness by Attracting International STEM Talent
Commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense, a recent National Academies report on international talent programs highlights the critical importance of global recruitment in advancing U.S. STEM research.
Surprising Trends in College Costs and Student Debt
A recent report from the Brookings Institution challenges conventional wisdom about rising college costs and student debt.
Enhancing Student Wellness: State-Led Initiatives and Insights
SHEEO and The Jed Foundation, with support from the Lumina Foundation, have created a learning community to develop and implement policy recommendations for enhancing student mental health and wellness. Arizona, Louisiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas received planning grants to participate in the Student Mental Health and Wellness Learning Community for 2023-2024.
Beyond the Culture Wars: The Real Story of State Policy and College Campuses
As the national debate on higher education heats up, state lawmakers are emerging as key players. But beyond the headlines, there’s a growing opportunity for collaboration and bipartisan initiatives that strengthen communities and expand educational access. ACE’s Heidi Tseu and Katharine Meyer of Brookings look at the real impact of state policies on college campuses today, from student support and institutional mission to workforce development.
Postsecondary Education Continues to Open Pathways to Good Jobs
A new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce examines the expanding job market by forecasting the number of good jobs in 2031 across 22 occupational groups and three educational pathways: bachelor’s degree, middle-skills, and high school.
Do Legacy Admissions Policies Impact Enrollment Equity?
In 2023, the Supreme Court ruling on the consideration of race in admissions illuminated a similar conversation about admissions equity: legacy status. The newest release of data on the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System included, for the first time, data on institutions’ legacy admission policies, and the Institute for Higher Education Policy examines this data in a new report.
Disability and Higher Education: Insights for Campus Administrators
Colleges are shifting to better support students with disabilities, especially as Gen Z brings new perspectives post-COVID. Kara Seidel and Hollie Chessman discuss how institutions can foster more inclusive campuses by recognizing the unique challenges students face—and offer practical tips for making a real difference.
Higher Education’s Role in Securing a Climate-Resilient Future
Higher Ed Climate Action, an Aspen Institute initiative, has released a report intended to guide the higher education sector’s approach to climate change. The plan outlines key priorities and recommendations in mounting a comprehensive, vigorous response to environmental threats.
Advancing Civic Learning and Community Engagement at Community Colleges
A recent survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the American Association of Colleges and Universities examines the critical role community colleges play in fostering civic knowledge and community engagement among students.
The Effectiveness of Emergency Aid Programs
During the pandemic, over 18 million students received emergency aid support from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the CARES Act. A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center analyzes different emergency aid programs, with an emphasis on understanding how they impact students’ completion and retention.