Third Way Education

In just three months, the Trump administration has closed IDR plan applications, changed PSLF eligibility, and left borrower-defense rules in limbo. These programs benefit more borrowers in red states than blue—yet the impact falls hardest on those who reelected him.

With recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and loan repayment options in the news, our latest poll shows that support for these policies extends across party lines. Among Republican voters, 79% support continuing PSLF and income-driven repayment for student loans. PSLF provides earned loan forgiveness for Americans in public service careers—such as the military, law enforcement, and public schools—after they meet service and payment requirements. At the same time, Republican voters recognize the need for repayment options that keep student loans manageable and help prevent default. As discussions about student loan policies continue, it's clear that ensuring fair and sustainable repayment options remains a priority for many Americans.

Did you know that simply living near a regional public university (RPU) can improve life outcomes? Communities with RPUs see higher high school and college graduation rates, lower incarceration rates, and stronger employment prospects—benefiting not just students, but entire regions. This impact is even greater for families with low-income, proving that RPUs do more than educate–they drive economic mobility and stability. They also help local economies recover from downturns faster by aligning programs with workforce needs and supporting small businesses. Higher education shapes more than just individual futures—it strengthens entire communities. RPUs play a vital role in driving regional growth, opportunity, and economic resilience. Our latest #ACADEMIXUpshot tells you more:

Earning a college degree remains the surest path to financial security and economic mobility. Yet within #highereducation, students experience uneven outcomes. In our recent survey, we found that voters across the political spectrum support increased transparency and accountability in higher education.? ? Key findings from our survey include:? ? Transparency: More than three-quarters of voters say state and federal governments should evaluate and disclose the value of college degrees.? ? Accountability for Schools: Voters believe there should be consequences if schools are providing degree programs that do not offer good value to graduates.? ? Informed Decision-Making: Earnings after graduation and loan debt levels are the most important considerations for voters in assessing a degree program’s value.? ? Overhaul in Higher Education: Overall, 61% of voters – including 75% of Republicans and 46% of Democrats – say higher education needs major changes or a complete overhaul.? ? Read more of our findings: https://lnkd.in/dGy7u8Rg

Our team has had federal workers, especially those impacted by the reduction in force at the Department of Education, in our thoughts lately. If you, or someone you know, is on the market as a result, and is interested in higher education policy, be sure to check out our job board: https://lnkd.in/eKjtSi-T We update it very often with opportunities across the sector. Learn more or submit an opening??

Since the mid-90s, women have been outpacing men in college completion, but the barriers they face haven’t disappeared—especially for women of color, who confront even greater obstacles in accessing and affording higher education. As we celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth, these stats highlight their resilience and determination, while underscoring the urgent need to break down systemic barriers and create truly equitable opportunities for all.

I'm excited to share a Third Way Education policy brief I wrote with Mac Wetherbee about the ROI and value Regional Public Universities create for society. We describe how different types of RPUs create value for their regions and students. We conclude with policy recommendations that at the time, seemed great but now seem downright fantastical but are still worth stating. Thanks to Ben Cecil for the invitation to write about RPUs! ? Also, this is my very first LinkedIn post. ? https://lnkd.in/gN5T97PF

The debate over higher education is often framed as an all-or-nothing battle: either you support the system as is, or you want to tear it down. But Republican voters aren’t buying that choice. Republican voters see value in higher ed and want a system that ensures students get value for their investment and that taxpayer dollars are well-spent. ICYMI check it out ?? https://bit.ly/4kojZpB

Mass layoffs and cuts of contracts and grants at IES pose a fundamental threat to #HigherEd’s ability to collect and analyze data that helps policymakers and institutions create solutions that uplift students. Jennifer Engle, Director of Policy and Strategy at Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce authored a guest blog post detailing what our field stands to lose without these data. The cancelled contracts included those that fund the?Condition of Education,?a congressionally mandated report produced annually by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). For decades, this report has provided the field with key data on how American students are performing before, during, and after college. The results of this study help us answer important questions such as… ?How many students are graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and earning postsecondary credentials?? ?Are students finding employment and how much do they earn by level of educational attainment?? ?How competitive is the U.S. education system is globally? Studies like this are key to giving U.S. students the best quality education, regardless of their background. Preserving the Condition of Education and all IES surveys is mandatory to ensuring that our students are supported by data-based solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eirvKnXK #PostsecData #SaveIES #WhyDataMatters

Regional public universities (RPUs) educate 70% of students attending four-year public institutions in the United States each year, offering an affordable, high-quality alternative to more expensive schools. With lower tuition and strong academic programs, RPUs provide incredible value and return on investment. These universities are key to providing access to higher education for everyday Americans, helping students achieve upward mobility through accessible degree programs. By prioritizing affordability, RPUs ensure that higher education remains within reach for many, leading to long-term economic stability. In an era of rising tuition costs, RPUs play a critical role in supporting the educational needs of our communities, preparing students for successful careers, and securing a brighter future for our economy. Read more from Cecilia M. Orphan, Ph.D. and Mac Wetherbee in our latest #ACADEMIXUpshot: