Statement on California Complaint Process for Out-of-State Online Colleges

The College Affordability Coalition — 25 organizations representing students and families, institutions, consumers, and civil rights groups — released principles for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act to ensure college is affordable for all Americans, including students of color and low-income students.

The Education Department just announced its final gainful employment (GE) rule repealing protections that have led to lower costs for students attending career programs and big savings for taxpayers. By eliminating the protections of the rule, unscrupulous schools will be able to enroll as many students as possible at as high a price as the student loan system will support.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the first income-driven repayment (IDR) plan being made available for federal student loan borrowers. Over eight million borrowers currently benefit from IDR plans, which base monthly payments on an individual’s income and family size. By keeping monthly payments more affordable, IDR is a critical safety net for struggling borrowers that...

Today the Department of Education finalized its ill-conceived repeal of the gainful employment standard. After months of illegal delays, the Department sent a clear message to predatory colleges: you are back in business.

We commend Representatives Susie Lee and Rosa DeLauro for introducing the PROTECT Students Act in the House of Representatives. There is growing support for this sweeping set of protections for students and taxpayers, addressing practices of predatory and low-quality colleges. Cheating and lying to students while leaving them with unaffordable debt and no path to the middle class...

While borrowing for college costs remains worthwhile for millions of students, millions also struggle in repayment. Each year, over a million borrowers face the most devastating outcome, default.