3 policy developments college leaders should keep an eye on this year

Higher Ed Dive

Natalie Schwartz

January 10, 2024

Higher education has taken center stage for policymakers in 2024.

The Biden administration has been overhauling higher education regulations, from placing greater restrictions on career education programs to attempting once again to clear debts for certain student loan borrowers.

On top of that, federal lawmakers have recently proposed their own legislation to reshape higher education policy, including a new bipartisan bill that would expand Pell Grants to programs as short as eight weeks. And the presidential election is likely to sharpen focus on higher education policies.

“Education does trend in polls as one of the top topics for voters,” said Barbara Mistick, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, to a gathering of private nonprofit college leaders. “You’re going to hear a lot of noise around K-12, but you’re also going to hear a lot of noise around higher education.”

Below, we’re rounding up several new policies highlighted during the presentation, which was part of the Council of Independent Colleges’ annual Presidents Institute, which brings together hundreds of higher education leaders.

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