DOJ, Education Department accuse Berkeley Law of admissions bias
Federal investigators allege Berkeley Law used race-related admissions practices affecting the 2024 and 2025 classes. No court ruling or settlement has been reached.
Higher education
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Treasury proposes tax-exemption rule for private schools using race-based policies
A proposed Treasury and IRS rule could affect private schools’ tax exemptions and donor deductions. Comments and hearing requests are due November 3, 2026.
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DOJ files four final lawsuits over undocumented-student tuition
The Justice Department sued Hawaii, D.C., Arkansas and Utah over tuition and aid policies. The complaints do not immediately change eligibility.
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NSF signals shift in how federal research grants are designed
NSF says grant size, length and review could vary by research type as the agency widens participation and weighs national priorities against discovery.
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Colleges Can Now Set Lower Federal Loan Caps for Specific Programs
A federal rule lets colleges set lower annual loan limits for entire programs, potentially leaving students to find other ways to cover tuition and living costs.
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New Federal Student Loan Plans Are Available. What Borrowers Need to Check Before September 30
Federal student loan repayment changed July 1. Borrowers should review their plan, SAVE notice, projected payment and auto-pay status before key deadlines.
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New federal loan limits could change some 2026-27 aid packages
Federal loan caps, program-level limits and new reporting rules are complicating 2026-27 aid offers for graduate students, parents and continuing borrowers.
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DOJ Finds Race Discrimination in GW Medical School Admissions
The Justice Department says George Washington University’s Washington, D.C., medical school discriminated in admissions for its 2024 and 2025 incoming classes. Settlement negotiations are underway, and a lawsuit could follow.
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DOJ sues 4 states over in-state tuition and aid policies
The Justice Department filed civil lawsuits against Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington over tuition, grants, scholarships and loans.
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Federal Student Aid seeks comments on five-year strategic plan
Federal Student Aid is seeking feedback on a preliminary 2026–30 plan covering FAFSA service, loan repayment, technology, cybersecurity and staffing.
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SAVE borrowers face 90-day clock as notices continue nationwide
August 15 ends Edfinancial’s notice window, not every borrower’s deadline. SAVE borrowers generally get 90 days from the date on their servicer notice.
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Texas agencies prepare 3% baseline-request reductions for 2028-29 budget
Texas agencies, courts and public colleges must identify 3% reductions in their 2028-29 base budget requests, but the directive does not cut current spending.
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Justice Department Opens Investigation Into Harvard Financial-Aid Programs Tied to China
The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard’s China-based financial-aid programs discriminate against American students.
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Shadow JQ Robinson begins tenure as Frostburg State University president
Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson began serving as Frostburg State University’s president July 1, succeeding interim president Darlene Brannigan Smith.
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Education rule sets Aug. 31 reporting date as colleges face new earnings-based loan limits
A new Education Department rule will measure college programs against graduate-earnings benchmarks and can restrict federal Direct Loan access after repeated failures.
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New federal student-loan repayment plans and borrowing limits take effect nationwide
Federal student-loan borrowers and prospective students face new repayment choices, revised borrowing limits and a new pathway for short-term workforce programs to qualify for Pell grants.
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Education Department expands nationwide fraud screening for federal student aid and reviews 2026–27 FAFSA records
The Education Department has begun a one-time review of previously submitted 2026–27 FAFSA forms as part of a nationwide effort to prevent fraud in federal student aid.
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New federal student-loan plans and Workforce Pell take effect nationwide
New repayment options for federal student-loan borrowers and a pathway for short-term workforce programs to seek Pell Grant eligibility began July 1, 2026.
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Education Department finalizes accountability rules for low-earning college programs and launches Workforce Pell
New federal rules tie aid eligibility more closely to graduate earnings while making Pell Grants available for qualifying short-term workforce programs beginning July 1, 2026.
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Antelope Valley College Lists August 3 Financial-Aid Disbursement for Palmdale Students
AVC’s August 3 summer aid disbursement date has passed. Remaining refunds are scheduled for release Friday, August 7, but eligibility, balances and enrollment changes can affect timing or amount.
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FAMU seeks planner for 2025-35 campus master-plan update
Florida A&M University is seeking a consultant to update its campus master plan, with proposals due August 7 and Tallahassee facilities, housing, transportation and infrastructure in scope.
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Graduate loan caps are in effect. Colleges now decide what students pay
Federal graduate-loan caps took effect July 1, while colleges weigh lower limits, institutional aid and private credit to cover remaining education costs.