Policy Priorities for 2009

It's a new year with a new administration in Washington, and the dire economic situation has made college affordability a top concern for policymakers and consumers alike. Our new policy agenda for 2009 aims to limit the growth and risks of student debt. Over the next year, our work will focus on:

• Increasing access to need-based grant aid

• Strengthening consumer protections for private student loan borrowers

• Ensuring easy access to Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness

For more details, see the full policy agenda.

Colleges Honor Financial Aid Pledges Despite Economic Downturn

It's been about a year since several colleges and universities made high-profile pledges to limit or eliminate student loan debt for low- and middle-income students. These pledges send a clear message to families of modest means about what they can expect to pay for college. Our web site profiles such financial aid pledges at more than 50 colleges.

We recently surveyed these institutions about whether they would maintain their commitments to need-based financial aid in the face of the economic downturn. All of the schools- from Harvard University to Oberlin College to the University of Louisville - confirmed that they will honor their pledges through the current academic year. They also said they intend to do so through the 2009-10 school year, although further financial trouble could cause plans to change in the coming months.

See a summary of all current financial aid pledges

See a full list with details of each pledge