Notes in the Margins: China, older students and grad-student debt
Student loan cut worries colleges Concerned about the possible expiration of a federal loan program for low-income students, Joseph E. Aoun, Northeastern University president, is leading a coalition of university presidents urging President Obama’s administration to protect the low-interest loans. (The Boston Globe)
Recruiting in China Pays Off for U.S. Colleges Dozens of American colleges and universities are seeing a surge in applications from students in China, where a booming economy means that more families can pursue the dream of an American higher education. But that success — following a 30 percent increase last year in the number of Chinese studying in the United States — has created a problem for admissions officers. (The New York Times)
More older students head to college; programs help About half of today's college students are financially independent, 49% are enrolled part time, 38% work full time, and 27% have dependents. (USA Today)
Graduate Students May Face Higher Debt Under Obama's Budget Plan In his 2011 State of the Union address, President Obama promised that investment in education and getting the next generation of Americans ready to face their own "Sputnik" moment would be a focus of his administration. But at least one component of his FY 2012 budget, which will be released tomorrow, will likely pile more debt upon students who decide to pursue graduate school, potentially making the dream of higher education even more unattainable for many Americans. The move, say administration officials, is needed to ensure that a popular financial aid award stays available at current levels. (The Huffington Post)
Bypass the Bookstore: 'Fiske Guide' Goes iPad A well-thumbed road map to colleges first published during the Reagan administration gets a digital makeover, courtesy of the iPad, where it joins offerings from Kaplan and Peterson's, among others. (The New York Times)
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