Data, Evidence, and Information

Within the higher education regulatory triad – the federal government, states, accrediting agencies – states are tasked with the primary responsibility for ensuring consumer protection.

The Department of Education recently released a new legal interpretation that revises and clarifies its position on the legality of state laws and regulations that govern various aspects of the servicing of federal student loans.

Report considers three promising debt metrics that could complement and strengthen existing accountability metrics and ultimately move the needle on borrower success: debt-to-discretionary earnings ratios, earnings net of expected debt payments thresholds, and repayment rates.

Report considers three promising debt metrics that could complement and strengthen existing accountability metrics and ultimately move the needle on borrower success: debt-to-discretionary earnings ratios, earnings net of expected debt payments thresholds, and repayment rates.

The introduction of earnings data by program and by college to the College Scorecard helps students and families make more informed college choices. However, the data is not a replacement for strong accountability rules, and a recent analysis using the College Scorecard data is likely to confuse – rather than clarify – the relative value of different colleges.

TICAS statement on House Financial Services Committee passing a slate of bills to improve consumer protections for student loan borrowers.