Elaine Rubin

With rising tuition costs, higher education remains a significant concern for many Americans. The upcoming presidential election could profoundly affect students, educators, policymakers, and parents, as the candidates offer starkly different approaches to key issues such as college affordability, FAFSA, student loan repayment, and other critical higher ed policies.

There are several new higher education regulations taking effect on July 1, 2024, which may impact your college experience. From stricter oversight of career education programs and changes to transcript withholding policies to increased federal student loan interest rates and enhanced consumer information requirements, stay informed to make the best decisions for your educational journey.

The Supreme Court may reconsider the Chevron doctrine, which allows federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws, as long as their interpretation is reasonable. Altering this doctrine could affect numerous federal regulations and policies. The Chevron doctrine has been crucial for rulemaking in federal agencies. For example, the U.S. Department of Education, which creates regulations and policies for the federal student aid programs established by the Higher Education Act of 1965.

If you're struggling in school, you may encounter financial repercussions in addition to academic ones. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with your school's policies to understand your options and avoid the financial consequences of failing.

Starting July 1, 2024, new regulatory changes will limit a school's ability to withhold transcripts due to unpaid balances.