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Brenda Brooks dropped out of college 40 years ago. Federal rules mean she can’t afford to return.

Feb 29, 2024
Now 60, she learned that her decades-old GPA disqualifies her from receiving federal loans or grants.
Brooks started college in the 1980s as a young adult with two small children. Like 40 million other Americans, she didn't finish.
Courtesy Brooks

You’re not imagining it, furnishing a dorm room really does cost more this year

Aug 30, 2022
With prices up for everything from airfare to gas to basic necessities, moving to college is more expensive than ever.
According to the National Retail Federation, total back-to-college spending is expected to reach $74 billion this year, reaching a record high.
Mark Makela/Getty Images

What role should college rankings play in choosing a school?

Jul 13, 2022
The rankings created by U.S. News have become very influential, but critics say prospective students should do more research.
The Columbia University campus in New York City. Last week, U.S. News & World Report said it was removing the school from its influential college rankings because of questions about the data Columbia submitted.
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

Employers' new strategy: Come for the work, stay for the college tuition

Sep 13, 2021
Big companies have started offering free tuition for workers on the front lines. Does it help with retention?
Companies like Target are offering free college to its workers.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

White House proposes caps on federal student loan borrowing

Mar 19, 2019
As college tuition and student debt continue to rise, the White House is proposing reforms to student loan policy.
Are you weighed down by student debt?
flickr.com/thisisbossi

Despite free college tuition, low-income students struggle with living expenses

Dec 11, 2018
Tuition is free. Then come the books, rent and food.

Work-study program helps low-income students cover the cost of tuition while they attend private school

Jun 4, 2018
For many lower-income families, the cost of private school tuition can seem out of reach. But a nationwide network of private schools has found a way to help subsidize that cost. The program only accepts students below the poverty line as part of a unique model of work-for-tuition. In Atlanta, students work at a business […]

For public good, not for profit.

Walmart offers to help pay education costs for employees seeking associates and bachelors degrees in business or supply chain management

May 31, 2018
Walmart is offering its 1.4 million U.S. employees a shot at higher education. The company says it’s going to subsidize tuition, books, and fees for workers pursuing degrees in business or supply chain management at three nonprofit schools. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

Texas legislature taking on college costs

Feb 21, 2018
Legislatures across the country are trying to contain tuition hikes.

House threat to tuition assistance tax break worries employers

Dec 8, 2017
Some Republican lawmakers join push to save the perk for employers and their employees.