More than 440 colleges in the United States have student loan nonpayment rates above 40 percent, with many for-profit institutions facing significant challenges, according to an Investopedia analysis of federal student aid data. This trend highlights a growing issue where students accumulate debt without being able to repay it, as the Department of Education moves...
Challenges and Opportunities for Undocumented Students in California
At Folsom Lake College, a flier informs students without legal status that they can still pursue education in California. It encourages them to continue, assuring they are not alone. Close by, the Undocu-Falcons Center provides support to these students under the guidance of Alicia Alejo. She assists with legal consultations, mental health resources, food pantries,...
The Growing Appeal of Three-Year Degree Programs
Giles Sims, a 34-year-old web developer, faced challenges in getting hired due to his lack of a college degree. With family responsibilities, including supporting his wife and widowed mother, Sims needed a speedy career solution. He found it in the form of a three-year degree program. “I can’t afford to be out of the workforce...
Loyola University Honors Sister Jean with Statue Unveiling
A Tribute to Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt Loyola University Chicago marked the beginning of the academic year with the unveiling of a statue honoring Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt. Sister Jean, a beloved figure at the university, passed away in October at the age of 106. The statue was revealed on her birthday, August 21, 2026....
Governor Newsom’s Take on SAT/ACT Debate in California Colleges
Governor Gavin Newsom of California addressed questions regarding the potential reinstatement of SAT and ACT requirements in a recent press event. This came after more than 3,000 faculty members from the University of California (UC) system expressed their concerns in an open letter about students’ preparedness in mathematics. The open letter, released in May, followed...
First-Generation and Low-Income Students Contribute to College Application Surge
An increasing number of students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds are applying to colleges. This trend is highlighted by a recent report from Common App, a widely used online application platform. The report reveals that 1.5 million students submitted over 10.7 million applications during the 2025-2026 academic year. This represents a 6 percent rise compared...
Why a Former Professor Became Skeptical of Higher Education
American colleges have long been the focal point of cultural debates. Surprisingly, some of the strongest critics of higher education today are individuals who once had immense faith in its goals. These critics, after an insider’s view, have altered their beliefs. Host Megan McArdle discusses these issues with Tyler Austin Harper, a staff writer at...
The Complex Legacy of Jason Arday
Jason Arday, a prominent sociologist, passed away at the age of 41 on August 14. His death followed allegations of dishonesty involving plagiarism and embellishing his biography. Arday’s career was built on studying race, inequality, and education, subjects deeply intertwined with his personal narrative. In 2023, Arday achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest...
Concerns Grow Over College Readiness Amid Test-Blind Policies
A mathematics professor from Berkeley raises serious concerns about the readiness of students entering college due to the University of California’s test-blind admissions policies. Professor Zvezdelina Stankova shared her insights in a San Francisco Standard op-ed, highlighting the academic deficiencies observed among incoming students. Classroom Struggles and Test-Blind Admissions Stankova describes her experience teaching large...
Integrating Work Experience into College Education
Graduates from the class of 2026 are facing a challenging job market. The National Association of Colleges and Employers highlights this as the toughest hiring environment since the pandemic’s onset. Many graduates are now turning to unpaid internships, more so than any time in the past decade, as entry-level job opportunities diminish. Employers are reducing...









