As I’ve written in an earlier blog, the some of the largest lending institutions have ceased providing loans to students at community colleges or some for-profit colleges. Now, some community college presidents have decided to cut the availability of federal loans to some of their students, too. (more…)

Once again, we’ve scooped the New York Times, but tragically, no one ever notices. The Paper of Record reports on the latest college-ranking trend: eco-friendliness.

Do they mention online colleges, which offer a 92% reduction in energy use over campus schools? Take a guess. (more…)

At least, they disagree with my blog post last week. The Gates Foundation is now actually funding a program that encourages high school graduates to be prepared to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Okay, okay, maybe I was a little harsh on the scientists last week. (more…)

We’ve mentioned the GI Bill here before, and it’s getting more traction in the edu-blogosphere: Educated Nation, Higher Ed Watch and Around the Academy are all weighing in. Short version: Bush signed the bill on June 30, despite being against it in the past (he and John McCain argued that it would ruin retention rates as eligible servicemembers would flee the military in droves). I’m guessing the veto-proof majority vote–and the sound bite that he clearly seemed to, I dunno, NOT support the troops on this one–changed his mind. (more…)

A bunch of business groups got together and decided that America is “losing” in the competitive world of business. What’s their solution – double the number of bachelor degrees in science, math, and engineering. Gee, way to think outside the box a little. (more…)

Anyone who’s attended even a semester of college knows how pricey textbooks are. In recent years, there’s been some relief, thanks to a robust used-book market and the magic of Amazon. But now, it seems, textbook publishers and universities have figured out a way to keep students paying top dollar once again.

The College Journal over at WSJ reports that many universities are now requiring students to buy customized textbooks that promote or otherwise reference the schools themselves. The article uses the U of Alabama as an example. The school charges students $60 for a specialized writers’ handbook that’s identical to the $30 used version found across the country–except it includes about 30 pages describing UA’s writing dept. (more…)

Well, the NY Times is finally catching up to what we’ve been saying for months! It’s no secret that online degrees are better for the environment–but it’s now abundantly clear that they’re better for your wallet too.

The Times article offers an interesting perspective from the students it interviews–primarily those who prefer a traditional on-campus experience, and are only going online to save money. These students are taking some time to get comfortable with the format, but once they get the hang of it, they may notice other benefits of online study, in addition to the gas savings. (more…)

There’s a lot of improvement in life that people attribute to higher education – higher salary, fewer unplanned pregnancies, and overall more “success” in seeking the American Dream. But who would have thought that your life could actually be prolonged by earning a college degree?

You always hear those stories about people who are 102 years old with no teeth, no education, and have smoked cigarettes and drunk bourbon every day since they were 12. Now, those of us who are completely the opposite – college-educated, fairly healthy, and don’t smoke – have a chance to brag about avoiding cancer. (more…)

Finally, the U.S. government appears to actually be helping college students prevent debt crisis instead of just letting it happen (or even encouraging it in some cases). Rep. Carolyn Maloney spearheaded a bill to prevent credit card companies from unethical practices that target college students. (You knew such progressive legislation had to come from a rep in either California or New York!) (more…)

Yep, it’s proven. In the US, people earn more money when they have a higher degree. In this cruddy economy, you now need a bachelor’s degree just to be a busboy at some places. And there can be a difference of at least $10,000 just if you have a master’s degree as opposed to a bachelor’s. (more…)