Topic: Pell Grants

Feds rooting out 'unwelcome speech' on campus: But what is that?

The failure of the University of Montana to respond adequately to sexual assault allegations has led to a broadening of how the federal government defines verbal harassment. Free speech advocates worry that the new policy will chill the right to speak freely on campus.

The Monitor's View: IRS scandal as a lesson in civic values

The IRS targeting of conservative political groups may not have been political itself. But it shows a serious need for more civics education in America about basic freedoms like the First Amendment.

What the 'sequester' means for you ... and what won't change

For millions of Americans, life should go on much as usual, but for millions of others cuts in federal spending from the 'sequester' are likely to bring tangible effects. Which camp are you in?

Tax VOX Financial aid: finding better ways to help college students

There are many ideas for improving federal assistance for low-income college students, Rueben writes, including better targeting of higher education tax credits.

Tax VOX Why welfare, food stamps, and other programs often discourage work

Food stamps, welfare, Medicaid and other tax and transfer systems can sometimes penalize people for earning that extra dollar of income, Steuerle writes.

Robert Reich America's other cliffs: poverty, healthcare and the environment

America does face a cliff – not a fiscal cliff, but a set of precipices obscured by Republicans' obsession over government’s size and spending, Reich writes.

Student loan debt hits record 1 in 5 US households

Student loan debt has reached a record 1 in 5 US households, with the biggest burdens falling on the young and poor. Because of the sluggish economy, fewer college students than before are able to settle into full-time careers immediately upon graduation, contributing to the jump in student loan debt.

Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 differences on education

President Obama says his policy initiatives are helping teachers, schools, and students. Mitt Romney advocates more school choice and private-sector involvement. Here is a look at how the two differ on eduction issues.

Opinion: My gloriously useless degrees in the humanities

Many insist the US needs more engineers and scientists to revive the economy. The hard truth is no degree guarantees a secure trajectory anymore. While I may not remember all I absorbed studying the humanities, I learned to think for myself. That has been invaluable in the workplace.

Robert Reich What 'the Ryan choice' means for Romney's evolving platform

Republicans, Democrats scramble to frame Paul Ryan’s political persona

With Rep. Paul Ryan, the GOP now has a full presidential ticket. Bold move or potential disaster for Americans? Republicans and Democrats try to shape Ryan's image to their own advantage.

Tax VOX Do higher education tax credits make sense?

Higher education is a good investment, and getting kids through school should be a top priority. But how should the government pay for it?

Congress poised to prevent doubling of rates on student loans

Facing a July 1 deadline, Congress finally came to terms on a bipartisan agreement to extend the 3.4 percent rate on federally subsidized student loans. It is expected to pass, along with a long-delayed highway bill, this week.

Robert Reich Why we have to end the Bush tax cuts and raise taxes on the rich

America has a huge budget deficit hanging over our heads. If the rich don’t pay their fair share, the rest of us have to pay higher taxes — or do without vital public services like Medicare, Medicaid, Pell grants, food stamps, child nutrition, federal aid to education, and more.

The Daily Reckoning Will taxing the rich really fix the economy?

The rich are roundly blamed for the country's economic woes. But the problems the economy faces run deeper than tax code matters.

War over #Julia: Has Obama campaign set a trap for Republicans?

The Obama campaign's 'Life of Julia' Web infographic shows how government helps women from cradle to grave. Republicans have pounced on it as 'nanny state' excess. But the #Julia Internet meme has taken off.

Student loans: Will Congress's remedy favor middle class over poor?

Student loans subsidized by the federal government will become more expensive soon unless Congress acts to keep interest rates low. But Pell grants, which benefit low-income students, also face cuts, analysts note.

Student loans: Obama's bid to rekindle 'Yes We Can' among youths

Young voters aren't as enthusiastic as they were four years ago, meaning turnout could decline. So Obama is touring universities in North Carolina, Colorado, and Iowa to talk about student loans.

Robert Reich Election 2012: A fable of equality

As voters, we can let rich private equity managers take over the electoral process and further the inequality gap. Or we can do something about it.

Robert Reich Ryan's budget helps no one but the rich

The real contrast in Paul Ryan's budget is over what the plan does for the rich and what it does to everyone else. It reduces the top individual and corporate tax rates to 25 percent. This would give the wealthiest Americans an average tax cut of at least $150,000 a year. The money would come out of programs for the elderly, lower-middle families, and the poor.

GOP budget plan passes committee on party-line vote

The House budget committee passed the plan 19-18; two Republicans voted against the bill because it didn't go far enough.

Robert Reich How to stop starving public colleges and shrinking the middle class

America is  making it harder and harder for young people of modest means to attend college. But affordable public higher education is essential to preserving the middle class.

State of the Union: What can Obama do about college tuition?

President Obama hit hard on college tuition costs in his State of the Union speech, calling on Congress to extend the tuition tax credit and to stop student loan interest from doubling in July.

Biden, in a swing state, addresses student anxiety over college costs (+video)

Vice President Biden sought Friday to remind Pennsylvania high-schoolers of the value of higher eduction – and how the Obama administration is trying to control college costs. The state's Class of 2010 owes an average of $28,599 per graduate – the fifth highest debt level in the US. 

Opinion: How can it be? Student financial aid fuels increase in college tuition. (+Video)

When federal (and state) financial aid programs make money available to well-off students, it is in a college's interest to capture that aid and use it to 'improve' the college, thus driving up costs and tuition. Aid must be restructured so that more of it goes to needy students.