Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Policy

James Bergeron, President of the National Council of Higher Education Resources, highlights four key issues in higher education finance:

  1. Student loan repayment and on-ramp challenges
  2. Legal hurdles facing the SAVE plan
  3. Broad student loan forgiveness debates
  4. FAFSA rollout complications

Why it matters

These issues are creating confusion and uncertainty for students, families, and institutions.

The big picture

Bergeron advocates for simplification and transparency in financial aid, including:

  • Streamlining repayment plans
  • Standardizing financial aid offer forms
  • Expanding Pell Grant eligibility for short-term programs

What’s next

Bergeron advises higher ed leaders to:

  • Drive innovation at the state and local level
  • Focus on workforce development and accountability

The bottom line

Institutions must take the lead in improving financial aid accessibility and aligning education with workforce needs.