Notes in the Margins: Starbucks, luxury apartments and the 3-year degree

Starbucks, Wal-Mart offering classes - for college credit A growing number of Fortune 500 companies, like Walmart, have grown tired of waiting for colleges and universities to produce the skilled workers they need and have started offering their own classes instead. And as an added bonus for employees: Many of these courses -- from Starbucks' Barista Basics to Jiffy Lube's finance fundamentals -- are eligible for college credit. (CNN / The Hechinger Report via University Business)

12 Student Loan Debt Numbers That Will Blow Your Mind Here are 12 numbers to help you truly understand the scope of the issue. (The Huffington Post)

College students flock to luxurious apartment complexes Safety, security and a comfortable lifestyle are all reasons that students -- or more accurately, their parents -- are paying high monthly rents for luxury college apartments. (USA Today)

New England College Hopes To Lure Students With A Three Year Degree  New England College in Henniker has come up with its own plan to attract a wider range of students. Beginning this May, it’s offering a year-round academic calendar, allowing students to save money by graduating in three years instead of four. (New Hampshire Public Radio via NAICU)

Trimming the Ivy Here's an interview with U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, who has investigated the business practices of for-profit colleges. He has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2014. (The New York Times)

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.