US Federal Student Aid

ED Proposes Rule Holding Colleges Accountable for Low Graduate Earnings

The U.S. Department of Education issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) establishing a postsecondary accountability framework based on graduate earnings outcomes. Under the proposal, undergraduate programs where typical graduates earn less than high school graduates, and graduate programs where graduates earn below the average bachelor's degree holder, would lose eligibility for federal student loans and potentially Pell Grants. The public comment period closes on May 20, 2026.

Four Kansas School Districts Violated FERPA and Title IX

The Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that four Kansas school districts—Kansas City, Kansas Public School District; Olathe Public Schools; Shawnee Mission School District; and Topeka Public Schools—violated FERPA and Title IX. SPPO determined the districts had policies likely preventing schools from notifying parents of their child's gender transition, infringing on parental rights under FERPA. OCR concluded that Kansas City, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, and Topeka violated Title IX with policies allowing students to use restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms based on gender identity, and that Kansas City and Topeka allowed male students to participate in female athletics based on gender identity. The Department issued proposed Resolution Agreements requiring policy changes or potential termination of federal funding.