New Higher Education Regulations Take Shape

by Presidents Forum | Aug 8, 2025 | Policy

New Higher Education Regulations Take Shape

Why it matters:

The Department of Education is launching two negotiated rulemaking committees to implement significant changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), affecting federal student loans and higher education access.

The RISE Committee

Focus: Federal student loan changes enacted in OBBBA
Scope: Pre-disbursement changes (loan limits, graduate PLUS program phaseout, institutional authority to limit loans) and repayment reforms (simplified income-driven repayment, multiple rehabilitation options)
Timeline: Meeting last week of September, first week of October, and one week in November

The AHEAD Committee

Focus: Other Higher Education Act changes from OBBBA
Key elements: Workforce Pell (allowing Pell eligibility for programs under 600 clock hours between 8-15 weeks) and new programmatic earnings accountability metrics
Timeline: Meeting one week in December and early January 2026

What’s next

August 25 deadline: Written comments and negotiator nominations due
Higher ed stakeholders encouraged to submit proposals and ideas to shape implementation of these new provisions

Federal Higher Ed Updates with Alex Ricci

by Presidents Forum | Jul 10, 2025 | Policy, Video

Federal Higher Ed Updates with Alex Ricci

Why it matters

Major changes to student aid programs and loan limits will significantly impact higher education institutions and students, requiring preparation for implementation challenges.

Key takeaways

Title IV changes: Workforce Pell Grant expansion and loan repayment modifications will affect students and institutions
Loan limit overhaul: Effective July 1, 2026, Graduate PLUS loans will be eliminated (with grandfathering) and Parent PLUS loans will have hard caps ($20,500 annual, $65,000 aggregate)
Accountability measures: New earnings accountability test represents first significant federal focus on student outcomes
Employer benefits: Section 127 employer education assistance ($5,250) now permanent and inflation-indexed

Negotiated rulemaking update

Recent narrowly-focused rulemaking session addressed PSLF eligibility restrictions per Trump’s executive order, with no consensus reached.
Department of Education likely to release draft rules within 30-45 days, with potential finalization before October 2025.
Future rulemaking may follow this faster, more targeted approach focusing on single issues.

Federal Higher Education Update

by Presidents Forum | May 20, 2025 | Policy, Video

Federal Higher Education Update

Why it matters:

The Department of Education is launching a new negotiated rulemaking process focused on student loan programs.

The big picture:

Two main issues are being addressed:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – reviewing qualifying employers and excluding those engaged in illegal activity
Income-driven repayment plans – addressing administrative bureaucracy and redefining family size calculations

Key timeline:

May 12: Federal Register publication opened nominations
June 2: Nomination deadline for nine constituency seats
June 30 – July 2: Committee negotiations begin

Budget reconciliation status:

House: Targeting $330 billion in savings
Senate: Aiming for $1 billion in savings
Goal: Complete before August recess

May Executive Director Update

by Presidents Forum | May 2, 2025 | Innovation, Policy, Working Learners

May Executive Director Update

Our new focus for May is the future of distance education. Two key initiatives are underway: a negotiated rulemaking group that will provide weekly progress updates, and a financial aid integrity working group developing best practices for member institutions. Through collaborative efforts and leadership, we continue to shape the future of higher education together.

Modernizing Military Tuition Benefits

by Presidents Forum | Apr 25, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Policy

Modernizing Military Tuition Benefits

The big picture

Military tuition assistance rates have remained static at $250 per credit hour and $4,500 annually since the early 2000s, while education costs have significantly increased.

By the numbers

Average public institution cost: ~$11,000/year
Current TA cap: $4,500/year
Per credit hour rate: $250 (unchanged for 20+ years)

Proposed solutions

Increase rates: Raise both per-credit-hour and annual caps
Raise annual cap: Increase the current $4,500 limit to better match today’s education costs

Why it matters

Enhanced tuition assistance would boost military career advancement through promotions while developing critical thinking and technical skills needed for civilian transition.

Presidents Forum’s Role in 2025 Negotiated Rulemaking

by Presidents Forum | Apr 24, 2025 | Policy

Presidents Forum’s Role in 2025 Negotiated Rulemaking

Presidents Forum is taking an active role in the 2025 negotiated rulemaking process, assembling a specialized working group of policy and government relations experts from member institutions. This initiative aims to shape regulatory changes that will enhance higher education’s accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness.

Through comprehensive policy analysis and strategic engagement, our team will develop and submit detailed comments throughout the negotiated rulemaking process. Stay connected through our website and social channels for regular updates on our progress and opportunities to contribute to this important work.