Notes in the Margins: Women, religious groups and ed-college ratings

Recovery threatened by runaway student loan debt Surging above $1 trillion, U.S. student loan debt has surpassed credit card and auto-loan debt. This debt explosion jeopardizes the fragile recovery, increases the burden on taxpayers and possibly sets the stage for a new economic crisis. (Associated Press via University Business)

Education Colleges Cry Foul on Ratings A nonprofit advocacy group is pushing colleges of education to participate in an effort to rate their teacher-preparation programs, but many of the schools are balking, arguing the project is flawed. (The Wall Street Journal)

Anti-bias policies drive some religious groups off campuses One of Vanderbilt University's largest student religious groups is leaving in a dispute over the university's non-discrimination policy. (USA Today)

Some 2012 college admissions rates hit new lows Ivy League schools along with some other highly selective colleges and universities have been proudly announcing historically low admissions rates for freshmen entering next fall — as if the figures actually have real importance and meaning. (The Washington Post)

Giving Women the Access Code Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College in California, has helped reverse the vexing trend toward fewer women in computer science, and others are following. (The New York Times)

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