Oregon Public Universities Anticipate Negative Impact on Graduate Enrollment from New Federal Student Loan Caps
Lookout Eugene-Springfield · 2026-07-31T16:38:00.000Z
Oregon public universities are expressing concerns that new federal rules, passed last summer, which cap the amount of federal student loans graduate students can borrow, will negatively affect enrollment. The changes, which took effect July 1, 2026, impose annual borrowing limits of $20,500 (with a $100,000 total cap) for most programs, and higher caps for specific 'professional' programs, excluding many high-demand fields like nursing and social work. This development significantly impacts higher education financing and enrollment.
U.S. Department of Education Releases Key July 2026 Announcements for Higher Education Institutions
Carr, Riggs & Ingram · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The U.S. Department of Education has issued several significant announcements for higher education institutions in July 2026. These include updates to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Professional Access website to support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, guidance on professional degree programs following a federal court order, the release of the final 2027–28 FISAP Form and instructions, and closeout information for the TEACH Grant and Direct Loan programs. Additionally, information regarding the Campus-Based Reallocation Process and 2026–27 funding notifications were released. These announcements affect federal student aid programs, institutional reporting requirements, and financial aid planning.
Forbes · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on international students who wish to work in the U.S. post-graduation via the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This potential policy could profoundly affect American higher education, international student enrollment, and the U.S. workforce.
Illinois Policy · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The Chicago Board of Education has approved a budget of almost $10 billion, preventing over 1,000 planned layoffs by anticipating an additional $150 million in state funding. This decision, influenced by pressure from the Chicago Teacher's Union, addresses a projected deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.
Sierra Sun Times · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The U.S. Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office has requested updated information from California and Washington state education departments regarding their policies on disclosing student records to parents, specifically concerning gender identity. This action follows recent court rulings on parental rights and is part of a broader enforcement effort by the current administration.
Higher Ed Dive · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The National Science Foundation (NSF) launched a five-year, $47 million pilot program to integrate over 250 Ph.D. students into private industry research. The initiative provides at least one year of dissertation research experience at companies, with universities funding the first year and NSF and private firms matching subsequent funding. This program aims to address the growing trend of Ph.D. graduates entering industry, potentially bridging academic and corporate research.
Free Beacon · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the "Merit-based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act" (Merit Act). This proposed legislation aims to prevent universities from granting preferential admissions treatment to applicants based on their connections to alumni or donors, seeking to promote a more merit-based system.
Court Schedules Proceedings in States' Lawsuit Challenging Education Department's Professional Degree Definition
NASFAA · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia has sued the Department of Education over its definition of 'professional degree' within the RISE Final Rule, contending it unlawfully restricts higher student loan limits to a narrow list of programs. The court has now entered a scheduling order, with the case to be resolved through cross-motions for summary judgment, and the Education Department has agreed to produce the administrative record by July 31, 2026.
Senate Committee Moves to Block Education Department's Special Education Transfer Plan
Disability Scoop · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has voted to advance legislation that would prevent the Department of Education from transferring or outsourcing responsibilities of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to other agencies. This action intensifies pushback against the Education Department's plan to offload many special education functions, which has drawn bipartisan opposition.
New Jersey Bill Requires Boards of Education to Adopt AI Policy
Transparency Coalition · 2026-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
A legislative update from July 31, 2026, highlights a New Jersey Assembly bill (A 5184) that would require boards of education to adopt policies on the use of artificial intelligence and mandate the Department of Education to establish a model policy. This bill has been introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
Virginia Department of Education to Modernize Standardized Testing Assessments
WVIR (29 News) · 2026-07-30T22:47:00.000Z
The Virginia Department of Education is moving to modernize its Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, with a new system expected to be operational by the 2027-28 school year. The initiative aims for faster test results, more accommodations for English learners and students with disabilities, and technology-enhanced questions designed to evaluate critical thinking skills. This modernization could also save the state between $8.5 million and $16.5 million annually compared to the current contract.
U.S. Department of Education Demands Clarity on California and Washington 'Transgender' Policies
U.S. Department of Education · 2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z
The U.S. Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) has requested updated information from the California Department of Education (CDE) and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The demand concerns state policies and guidance that allegedly pressure schools to conceal student records, particularly related to 'gender transition,' from parents. This action follows recent U.S. Supreme Court and Circuit Court rulings that reinforce parental rights in children's upbringing and education.
Senate Committee Advances Bill to Block Dismantling of Department of Education Offices
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine · 2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z
A bipartisan bill led by Senator Tim Kaine has been advanced by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The legislation aims to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from transferring critical offices and programs, including those for special education, postsecondary education, elementary and secondary education, and Indian education, to other federal agencies. This move seeks to ensure these programs remain within the Department of Education, which is seen as having the necessary staff and expertise.
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP · 2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" to federally funded institutions, reiterating their obligation to protect students from sexual misconduct by adults in authority. OCR also launched 20 investigations into K-12 school districts nationwide, based on data suggesting inadequate responses to staff-on-student sexual misconduct. This emphasizes federal oversight on student safety.
Pride Source · 2026-07-30T00:00:00.000Z
The U.S. Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office is taking action against Ann Arbor Public Schools, citing likely violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The department determined that the district's policy, which requires school employees to withhold a child's transgender status from parents, likely breaches federal law. The district faces potential termination of federal funding if it fails to respond by August 10.
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