Blog Post

The spring 2026 edition of the TICAS State Policy Digest, a quarterly newsletter for state leaders that highlights state and federal efforts to increase affordability, accountability, and equity in higher education.

This blog provides a history and overview of CUNY's opportunity programs, demonstrating their national model for how campuses can test and grow student success initiatives.

Federal investments in TRIO and MSI programs have long formed the backbone of student success at rural-serving institutions. As policymakers consider the future of federal higher education investments, funding stability must remain a priority.

AI-driven application fraud is rising fast, but without adequate staffing and resources, prevention efforts risk blocking the very students aid is meant to serve.

Given the increasing demand for workers with education beyond high school, it is critical that policymakers invest in basic needs resources to support parenting students. This blog outlines the multigenerational importance of programs like CCAMPIS and CCDF and offers recommendations for policymakers to protect and improve them.

As federal policy drives more graduate students to the private loan market, this blog outlines strategies for state policymakers to strengthen consumer protections, expand transparency, and ensure that the financial aid landscape works in the best interest of students—not lenders.