The times they are a-changing, and certainly higher education should be included in such a wave of transformation. Recently, both House and Senate agreed to pass the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, which has not seen such an overhaul in more than a decade. The political powers behind the upgrade maintain their motivation is “to boost our country’s educational competitiveness, bring integrity back to the system, and strengthen our future”(Department of Education). Here are some of the major changes that will affect you, the student:
- The Pell Grant, which enables low-income students to afford school without future of repayment, will increase from $4800 to $6000 per student by 2009, and again to $8000 per student by 2014. Additionally, part-time and summer school options should become more accessible for non-traditional students, as Pell Grants will now be available year-round. Funding for on-campus child care will also increase, giving more chances to students who are parents.
- The Patsy T. Mink Graduated Fellowship Program, created through the HEA, aims to increase the amount of qualified women and minorities in masters and doctoral areas of college faculty, as they are often underrepresented. Grant funding from the program will either create new positions or further their educational opportunities.
- Your FAFSA application is generally multiple pages long, with websites and help lines dedicated to getting through its mind-numbing process. The FAFSA will still be there, but will be improved for less confusion, along with a quick new EZ FAFSA form created for students in lower income brackets. Requiring departments to combine forces with the IRS will also provide income history to help simplify applications.
- Showing up to college and signing your soul away for loans with fine print can be intimidating. The HEA projects a more transparent relationship between lenders, institutions and you, the student. Guidelines will be designated for both lenders and schools, stressing full disclosure of preferred lender lists, equal exposure of both federal and private loans, and proper aid education for students and parents. Ultimately this gives you, the student more choice in the loan process, and gives your needs a higher priority than they have ranked in the past.
- College wouldn’t be college without waiting in line for highly priced textbooks in your school’s bookstore. The new HEA again demands more transparency between publishers and institutions regarding book prices, and for separate pricing of “bundled” items (like workbooks including a CD) to be provided. With knowledge of textbook prices available ahead of time, a step is being taken toward making the purchasing of textbooks a more financially manageable event.
By implementing these new standards and regulations, the HEA means to boost our country’s educational competitiveness, bring integrity back to the system, and strengthen our future. Their main plan seems to be by clearing the path for those who have a harder time getting that degree.
Take note of the processes you encounter while preparing for school this fall, looking to apply next year, or just perusing the internet checking your options. Was it easy to get there? Who helped you along the way? And what options do you have in downloading that latest movie to your IPOD? The times certainly are changing – keep your eyes and ears open to see how they affect you.