At the commencement ceremony for Arizona State University, President Obama delivered quite a call to action:

“Did you study business? Go start a company or why not help our struggling non-profits find better, more effective ways to serve folks in need. Did you study nursing? Understaffed clinics and hospitals across this country are desperate for your help. You study education? Teach in a high-needs school where the kids really need you.” (more…)

The House just passed a bill that would give $6.4 billion to rebuilding–and greening–schools. This investment in America’s future has some controversy attached, though. Much like any investment, the return needs to be factored in. Will this bill actually work as part of an economic stimulus, or will it be something more on the order of frivolous spending? (more…)

During any economic rough spot, studies of previous downturns and recessions start popping up all over the place. Sometimes they offer a little light at the end of the tunnel, but some new studies show just the opposite for recent graduates. Entering the worst job market in 25 years isn’t the only cross to bear for these recent grads, studies are showing that the effects of the recession could last for 15 more years before getting back to normal. (more…)

The current economic climate has made it tough for recent graduates to find work. Rather than starting lucrative careers right out of school, many graduates are turning to internships to build their résumés. Who can blame them? Instead of taking whatever job comes along, these graduates are continuing their education and career training. There’s only one problem: Are there enough internships to go around? (more…)

In an economic downturn, a terrible turning of the tables happens: those with money in the bank get penalized, while those in debt benefit. The culprit? Inflation. When inflation lifts its ugly head into view, the value of the dollar, in this case, drops. If we look at a simple model (i.e., one without interest factored in), it’s obvious why this happens. (more…)

President Obama’s new financial aid plan would make Pell grants an entitlement akin to Social Security and Medicare. While this sounds like a good idea in the wake of private lending/bank snafus, the near monopoly that the government would have in the financial aid market has some private lenders up in arms. (more…)