Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron
James Bergeron, President of the National Council of Higher Education Resources, highlights four key issues in higher education finance:
- Student loan repayment and on-ramp challenges
- Legal hurdles facing the SAVE plan
- Broad student loan forgiveness debates
- 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.