Education

Higher Education Policy

The Higher Education team works toward building an affordable and high-quality higher education system that supports economic mobility and racial equity.

A student at Rutgers University attends the 250th anniversary commencement ceremony on May 15, 2016, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. (Getty/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

What We're Doing

Improving equity

Our team explores how to reform a higher education system that is failing to adequately serve students of color and other overlooked populations, including adults, student parents, part-time students, veterans, and individuals impacted by the justice system.

Ensuring college is affordable for all students

We call for changes to make college affordable for current and future students and their families. We also work to lift the burden of student debt and fix a troubled student loan repayment system for current and future borrowers.

Ensuring quality and protecting students and taxpayers

We advocate for a system where all colleges and programs offer a path to economic security and make sure their students reach the finish line. We also seek to hold education providers, accreditors, loan servicers, and other actors accountable for their service to students and borrowers.

The Higher Education team works toward building an affordable and high-quality higher education system that supports economic mobility and racial equity.

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CAP Comment Urges the U.S. Secretary of Education To Protect Student Interests Amid Potential Online Program Manager Concerns Article

CAP Comment Urges the U.S. Secretary of Education To Protect Student Interests Amid Potential Online Program Manager Concerns

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Secretary of Education highlighting concerns about the online program manager industry.

Comment to Middle States Commission on Higher Education Regarding Third-Party Providers Policy and Procedures Article

Comment to Middle States Commission on Higher Education Regarding Third-Party Providers Policy and Procedures

This public comment, submitted by the Center for American Progress, asks the Middle States Council on Higher Education to clarify its proposed policy for reviewing its member institutions' arrangements with third-party providers.

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People Article
Empty elementary school classroom

House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People

House Republican leadership’s proposed funding bill would vastly cut support for economically disadvantaged students and eliminate important programs in the K-12 education, youth workforce development, and higher education spheres.

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
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2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

The Future of Student Debt Relief: What To Expect Next Article
A “class of 2023” cap and tassel are seen.

The Future of Student Debt Relief: What To Expect Next

With the student loan payment pause ending in September 2023, this column helps to answer questions borrowers may have about what the Biden-Harris administration is doing to pursue debt relief and what to expect in the upcoming negotiated rulemaking that will take place from October through December 2023.

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