College is changing fast, and students are feeling it. Viviann Anguiano from @americanprogress.bsky.social joined us to break down today’s biggest challenges, how lived experience informs better policy, and what states and institutions can do to support learners. 🎙️ buff.ly/uTWxsfp

Despite efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, Republican voters actually want to strengthen ED, not weaken it. A crumbling ED helps no one on either side of the aisle. Read more from @econroy.bsky.social in @forbes.com:

ICYMI: ED’s latest neg reg session landed on a consensus definition for professional programs. It’s a tight definition, and a few psychology programs make the cut. Get the full story in our latest blog. 💡 buff.ly/mnRdG2b

🔔Native students face real challenges staying enrolled and finishing college. Colleges can make a difference with advising that gets it, financial support that works, mentoring, and programs that build community and belonging. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #HigherEd

New chalkbeat piece that highlights some of the less well-known realities of our current moment for higher ed. I got to chat at length with Matt about the actual trend in tuition (flat or decreasing at publics) versus the perception in the media. www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/11/i...

Consensus reached🚨 ED wrapped up negotiations on student loan changes that could make borrowing fairer and more transparent for students--a key step toward clearer, more consistent, and student-centered loan policies. ⬇️

Even many critics of the Department of Education want its data collection efforts to survive — just somewhere else: via @jillbarshay.bsky.social: hechingerreport.org/proof-points...

The Higher Education Act changed everything. Since 1965, it has helped millions of students access college through financial aid and support for schools serving those most in need. While revisions are still needed, we're celebrating 60 years today! 🎓

💡Did you know more than half of Native students at #TribalCollegesandUniversities are first-generation college-goers? This #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we’re spotlighting TCUs—founded by tribal nations to expand access, boost opportunity, and preserve Native culture.

Round 2 of negotiated rulemaking kicks off as ED decides which programs qualify for higher grad loan limits. Some programs are lobbying to expand the definition. See why keeping it narrow matters for students and taxpayers. Read more. 🔎 www.thirdway.org/blog/profess...

Voters want higher ed reform. Yes, change is needed. No, cutting ED staff and overhauling the system isn’t the answer. Recent federal moves are hurting both sides of the aisle and hitting students and families hardest. Here’s what voters actually want.🔗 buff.ly/IJP274c

Wondering how the tariffs will impact institutions — especially those already stretched by rising tech and operating costs? @bencecil.bsky.social shares insights in GovTech on what’s ahead for education. ➡️ buff.ly/yzaYyX7

🧑‍🎓Most first-gen students and students of color attend colleges that welcome all kinds of learners. Seeing challenges as part of the journey can strengthen persistence and belonging. Learn more about how belonging impacts retention: buff.ly/C5ijtfn

Accreditation should ensure college quality, but it often falls short. Some schools get federal aid even if few students finish or earn less than high school grads. Clear standards would hold colleges accountable & fund schools that deliver real value. 🔗 thirdway.org/memo/how-commo…

Questioning higher ed’s value? Our newest blogs show why it still matters—and the real impact it’s having across the country. ✨Check them out at higheredvaluemetrics.org!

The Trump administration reached an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers to expand the resumption of student loan forgiveness to several repayment plans.

ICYMI: While we wait for the next neg reg session, check out our latest on defining graduate education. Negotiators should keep the “professional student” definition narrow to stop students from taking on unnecessary debt. ⬇️ www.thirdway.org/blog/profess...

As our friends and allies face uncertainty and instability in the workforce, we want to share our higher ed policy job board, which is updated frequently! Explore the latest postings or submit a position if your organization is hiring. 💼

ED laid off nearly all staff overseeing special education, raising concerns about how students with disabilities will get the support they’re entitled to under IDEA as federal oversight and guidance fall into question. 🔗 More from @zachschermele.bsky.social: www.usatoday.com/story/news/e...

Project 2025’s education checklist is in motion. Our memo revisits these proposals and breaks down what’s at stake for educators and students. Check it out! 🔍 buff.ly/TZtorBm

Graduate education is under the policy microscope, and the numbers tell an important story: nearly half of grad students borrow more than they expected. Learn how transparency and thoughtful policy can help students navigate the costs of graduate school 💡: buff.ly/eFCy5wg

College rankings that value impact over prestige give regional schools a boost. Insight Into Academia reports on how affordability, mobility, and local impact factor into the scores. 🔗https://buff.ly/UFoVe0y

📣We’re growing our education team! Third Way is hiring a Higher Education Policy Advisor. If you’re ready to make an impact in higher ed policy, apply today! 🔗 buff.ly/q45LPFO

Students go to college to earn more—but are institutions delivering? 🎓💸 Congress is taking steps to hold schools accountable. Watch our latest animated video to learn more!

As neg reg sessions kick off this week, one decision is looming: how we should define professional programs. Too many exceptions, and loan limits lose their meaning. 👀 Read our blog to see what’s at stake: www.thirdway.org/blog/profess...

Grad debt makes up nearly half of student loans. In our latest blog, @bencecil.bsky.social argued Congress intended a narrow definition of ‘professional’ programs so students aren’t overborrowing and have manageable debt. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social @insidehighered.com 🔗: buff.ly/0BSvDPN

Student loan rules are on the table. As negotiators define ‘graduate’ and ‘professional’ programs under OBBBA, access to federal aid and student debt outcomes hang in the balance. Learn more from @bencecil.bsky.social ⤵️ buff.ly/94wWcIz

#AANAPISIWeek spotlight✨: Swipe through to see how these top 4 AANAPISIs are supporting Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students—helping them graduate, succeed in careers, and build stronger communities. 🔗Check them out: buff.ly/KAABZ9i

It’s #HBCUWeek! HBCUs are just 3% of US colleges but graduate about 1 in 5 Black undergrads. Eight made the top tier of our Economic Mobility Index—here are 4 standouts👇 buff.ly/KAABZ9i

📣We’re growing our education team! Third Way is hiring a Higher Education Policy Advisor. If you’re ready to make an impact in higher ed policy, apply today! 🔗 buff.ly/q45LPFO

💡Want a clearer picture of how higher education really pays off? Our latest memo shows how the Institute of Education Sciences can leverage better data—from NCES surveys to community college outcomes—to help students and taxpayers see the full story. 🔗 www.thirdway.org/memo/four-wa...

ICYMI: The earnings threshold in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act might sound wonky, but our latest video breaks it down. It’s simple—if a credential doesn’t lead to better financial outcomes, the program shouldn’t receive federal dollars. Check it out! 🎥

HSIs are engines of opportunity—driving Latino student success and fueling socioeconomic mobility since their federal recognition in 1992.🎓  Read Dr. Stephanie Aguilar-Smith's insights on their lasting impact and success. 🔗 www.thirdway.org/report/servi...

Our latest memo from @emiliarounds.bsky.social highlights 4 ways IES can improve student outcomes data: 📝 Maintain NCES surveys 🤝 Strengthen IPEDS links 🎓 Enhance grad data 📊 Publish CC success data. Read more here: buff.ly/asQ5Xpy

HSIs drive access + socioeconomic mobility with fewer resources. Supporting them strengthens America's "competitiveness, democracy, and shared prosperity." Pulling back isn’t neutral—it’s damaging. Excelencia in Education explains why ⬇️ buff.ly/J22tEvC

Looking for your next move in higher ed policy?🔍 Our job board just got fresh listings! Associate, Academic Affairs – APLU Senior Policy Analyst – SHEEO Assistant Director of Policy – IHEP Submit your own role or explore more opportunities at higheredpolicyjobs.org.

College should be a launchpad, not a liability. @MichelleDimino (for @AEIeducation) outlines how an earnings test + targeted support can drive accountability, protect taxpayers, and ensure higher ed delivers real value. Explore the report ⬇️ buff.ly/my5zFBC

Students go to college to boost their earnings. But what happens when schools fall short? Our latest animated video explains the new earnings threshold and why it matters. 🎥

Senior Policy Advisor @bencecil.bsky.social partnered up w/ New America's edu team for a presentation on measuring higher ed value to students & stakeholders at the 2025 NCAN Conference—because confirming that college delivers real results is key to keeping it a trusted pathway for opportunity. 🤝

Students deserve programs that pay off. A new report from @michelledimino.bsky.social w/ AEI Education shows how an earnings test + targeted support can raise accountability, protect taxpayers, & boost college value. Dive into the findings.⤵️ www.aei.org/research-pro...

House Republicans proposed a 15% cut to ED for 2026, reducing student aid programs but unexpectedly keeping Pell Grants at its max amount. Senate funding plans differ, setting up a funding clash as the budget advances. Read more from Higher Ed Dive:

🚨Another neg reg session is coming up this fall, and we’re pushing for short-term credentials that help students succeed. Too many programs fail to deliver, so we need guardrails to ensure short-term Pell only goes to programs that truly work.

ICYMI: The Higher Ed Now podcast broke down the politics of accreditation. Emily Rounds and Kyle Beltramini explored why reform is needed and where both sides of the aisle agree on improving student outcomes. 🔗Listen here: buff.ly/MjNKOOQ and on Apple Podcasts!

The bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act would empower teachers to lead in their school districts and communities – mentoring colleagues, engaging families, and strengthening curriculum so every student can reach their full potential. mannion.house.gov/media/press-...

The latest from @michelledimino.bsky.social of @thirdwayedu.bsky.social:

A new federal tax credit scholarship program gives states the chance to fund tutoring, afterschool programs, and other student supports at no cost. In @washingtonpost.com, @michelledimino.bsky.social urges Democrats not to leave these dollars on the table. 🔗 buff.ly/2ikePaY

Nearly 2 in 3 students hold high trust in their institution, yet 36% say their trust in higher ed has dropped since starting college. Dive into @cflaihe.bsky.social @insidehighered.com's new Student Voice survey results to see how trust shifts for colleges. 🔗 buff.ly/5l5ViyU

Accreditation is a hot topic—why now? Policy Advisor @emiliarounds.bsky.social joined the Higher Ed Now podcast w/ Kyle Beltramini at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni to break down the politics, what's at stake for colleges, & the path to reform. Listen here: buff.ly/MjNKOOQ or on Apple.🎙️

A big theme from SHEEO’s Higher Education Policy Conference: bridging the gap between data and public perception on the value of a degree. @jessicablake.bsky.social shares highlights and discussions from the event. 📰 www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...

The end of uncapped Grad Plus loans could force universities to rethink which graduate programs are worth running, as many institutions rely on graduate tuition revenue as a major source of funding. Learn what this means for students & universities. Read more from Forbes🔗 buff.ly/5t6Q0Y9