Matthew Arrojas
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Reporter covering higher education news at BestColleges.com
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Articles by Matthew Arrojas
For Hyundai Steel, Donaldsonville Came Down to Location, Location, Workforce
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, isn’t the type of city used to seeing major investments. The town of about 7,000 sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Ascension Parish, and while Ascension is one of the fastest-growing parishes in the state, nearly all of that growth has happened on the other side of the river. Kate MacArthur, CEO of the Ascension Economic Development Corp., says the community has been trying to spur development on the west bank for about a decade, largely to no avail.
Connecting the Tangled Systems of Reentry Training and Employment
It’s no secret that a felony conviction negatively affects a person’s ability to land a job upon reentry. After release, formerly incarcerated people must navigate a maze of government systems, workforce programs, and parole requirements. They are rarely prepared to do this, and as a result, nearly half (45%) report no earnings within the first year of their release, according to research from the Brookings Institution.
How Miami Dade College Built Its AI Programs by Letting Industry Talk First
There is near constant talk about a disconnect between what colleges are teaching and what employers want graduates to know. Industry advisory committees are the standard way community colleges try to bridge that gap. Yet these committees have historically acted as a rubber stamp for the curriculum proposed by faculty members, says Ann Beheler, director of innovation at the Center for Occupational Research & Development.
The Student’s Guide to In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
Learn the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, plus how you might qualify for lower tuition even if you’re not a resident. Updated on November 7, 2025 Key Takeaways In-state tuition at public colleges averaged $11,610 for 2024-25, according to the College Board, while out-of-state students paid $30,780 on average, a 165% difference due to state tax contributions.
Veterans Fight VA for Full Four Years of GI Bill Benefits
A 2024 Supreme Court decision confirmed veterans can receive up to four years of GI Bill benefits, but the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to limit eligibility—prompting lawsuits and support from higher education advocates. Updated on October 9, 2025 Credit: Bloomberg / Bloomberg / Getty Images Student veterans are entitled to up to four years of GI Bill benefits, according to a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Find Out How Long It Takes to Earn Your Degree
Step 1: Select the Degree You Want Whether you are pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree has a big impact on your projected timeline to graduation. Be sure to select the degree that best matches your career goals. Step 2: Enter Any Credits You Previously Completed If you have already completed some college credit, that will likely shorten your timeline to graduation.
Senators Propose Free College for Medical, Dental, and Nursing School
The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act aims to tackle nationwide doctor, dentist, and nurse shortages with free tuition, new grants, and rural relocation incentives. Updated on October 8, 2025 Credit: Bloomberg / Bloomberg / Getty Images The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act proposed by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley would create tuition-free healthcare programs for many students. Lawmakers say the bill would address U.S. healthcare worker shortages.
Parenting College Students Face CCAMPIS Cuts
College students may soon be forced to shoulder childcare costs on their own. Published on September 23, 2025 Credit: Kevin Carter / Getty Images News / Getty Images Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program grants subsidize childcare expenses for college students who are parents. At least a dozen colleges did not have their CCAMPIS grants renewed for the 2025-26 academic year. The Trump administration has not said why it pulled the plug on school-specific funding.
Trump Ends Hispanic-Serving Institution, HBCU Grants
The Department of Education said funds will instead be funneled to programs that “advance administration priorities.” Published on September 16, 2025 Credit: J. David Ake / Getty Images News / Getty Images The Department of Education will not award $350 million in discretionary grants to minority-serving institutions. It called those grant programs “unconstitutional,” despite being authorized by Congress. ED will still award $132 million in mandatory funds.
Maximum Pell Grant Award May Remain Unchanged
U.S. House and Senate budget proposals would keep the maximum Pell Grant award level for the fourth straight academic year. Published on September 11, 2025 Credit: Bloomberg / Bloomberg / Getty Images Proposals from both chambers of Congress would keep the maximum Pell Grant at $7,395. It’s rare for Congress to go more than three years without increasing the maximum award. The lack of a Pell increase could hurt low-income students struggling with rising costs.
Federal Financial Aid Processing Concerns Grow
A new NASFAA survey shows Education Department downsizing is disrupting communication with students seeking information on FAFSA and federal financial aid. Published on August 28, 2025 Credit: Bloomberg / Getty Images President Donald Trump’s administration has recently overseen massive cuts to the Department of Education. Those cuts appear to be having a trickle-down effect on college students. Many institutions report an increase in confusion among students regarding financial aid.
How Online Colleges Are Using AI to Teach and Manage Programs in 2025
Published on August 22, 2025 A new survey found that online education leaders are using artificial intelligence to improve teaching and streamline administration. Credit: Watchara Piriyaputtanapun / Moment / Getty Images A 2025 UPCEA survey shows most online college programs are adopting AI, primarily to enhance teaching practices and streamline administrative tasks.
Student Loan Repayment Rates Threaten Federal Aid at 1,000+ Colleges
Published on August 20, 2025 More than 1,000 U.S. colleges have repayment rates below 70%, raising concerns about access to Pell Grants and federal student loans. Experts warn that repayment struggles could trigger stricter penalties by 2027. Credit: Kevin Carter / Getty Images News / Getty Images Colleges can lose access to federal financial aid if former students default on student loans. Early indicators show many borrowers are struggling to stay current on their student debt.
College Students Struggle to Balance Work, School, and Life, Report Shows
Published on August 15, 2025 Nearly 70% of undergrads are juggling jobs while in school, and most are working more than 20 hours a week. A new report reveals how work impacts academics, campus engagement, and basic needs. Credit: RichVintage / E+ / Getty Images College students routinely work at least 20 hours per week while in school. Working college students are more likely to take out student loans than non-working students.
Trump Orders Colleges to Report Admissions Data on Race
Published on August 11, 2025 The president’s memorandum wants the National Center for Education Statistics to provide a clearer picture of whether students of certain races are admitted at higher or lower rates. However, obstacles exist to collecting this data. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Staff / Getty Images News Colleges and universities will soon have to provide college application data broken down by race and sex.
Graduate Programs Most Impacted by Borrowing Limits
Published on August 8, 2025 The One Big Beautiful Bill imposes federal student loan limits — and they could heavily impact professional practice doctoral degrees, including medicine, according to new research. Credit: Coolpicture / Moment / Getty Images Congress recently set new borrowing limits for undergraduate and graduate students. At the graduate level, students pursuing professional degrees in medicine and dentistry will feel an impact.
FAFSA Completion Rates Rebound
Published on August 5, 2025 FAFSA completions are up 15.7% from last year, with all 50 states seeing gains. Experts say 2025 rates signal a full recovery from 2024’s rollout issues. Credit: Chicago Tribune / Tribune News Service / Getty Images After last year’s dropoff, FAFSA completions appear to be back on track. Strong completion rates indicate that many of the challenges previously facing the form have subsided. Completion rates are up year over year in all 50 states.
Education Department Grants to Prioritize AI Advancement
Published on July 30, 2025 Colleges that prioritize “advancing artificial intelligence in education” could qualify for more federal grants. Credit: Kindamorphic / E+ /Getty Images Grant proposals may soon get preferential treatment if they advance AI in education. That includes programs that promise to train future K-12 teachers in AI usage. Federal funds may also be used to grow offerings of AI and computer science courses.
Career Training for Undocumented Students Ended
Published on July 28, 2025 Undocumented students are not eligible for traditional federal financial aid, but for over two decades they were able to participate in career and technical education programs funded by the federal government. Credit: J. David Ake / Getty Images For over 25 years, undocumented immigrants have been able to access career and technical education programs. Recent guidance from the Trump administration removes eligibility for these students.
Degree Apprenticeships Explained | BestColleges
Published on July 23, 2025 Degree apprenticeship programs are helping students earn money and gain real-world experience while they pursue degrees. Here’s what students need to know about this growing alternative to traditional college. Credit: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images Degree apprenticeships combine traditional education with paid, hands-on work experience. The goal is to provide students with both a college degree and practical job skills with little to no debt.
One Big Beautiful Bill: What College Students Need to Know
Published on July 11, 2025 Limits on student loans, modifications to federal financial aid, and increased scrutiny of return on investment delivered by colleges are among the major changes to higher education in President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending bill. Credit: Bloomberg / Getty Images President Trump signed his marquee domestic policy bill into law on July 4, 2025. Included in the law are caps on student borrowing and the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan program.
Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Ties Federal Aid to Students’ Earnings
Updated on July 8, 2025 President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” ties colleges’ access to federal student loans to students’ postgraduation earnings. It may cause colleges to reevaluate their program offerings. Credit: The Washington Post / Getty Images President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law on Friday, July 4.
Proposal Increases Online GI Bill Housing Allowance
Published on July 2, 2025 If passed, the bill would provide equal housing allowances to in-person and online college students accessing the GI Bill. Credit: Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc. / Getty Images Currently, GI Bill beneficiaries enrolled in fully online programs receive a smaller housing stipend. Many advocates have long campaigned for an increase in this allowance to cover non-education expenses. A newly introduced bill would effectively double the housing allowances of online students.
Maine Ends Free Community College Scholarship
Published on June 30, 2025 The high school class of 2025 will be the last group to benefit from Maine’s Free College Scholarship. Credit: Portland Press Herald / Portland Press Herald/ Getty Images Maine is ending its free community college program after three years. The class of 2025 will be the final group of high school graduates to benefit from the scholarship. Maine established the Free College Scholarship in 2022.
2026-27 FAFSA Updates: What Students Need to Know
Published on June 27, 2025 The Department of Education plans to release the FAFSA form to a small group of students as early as August, and the full rollout appears to be on schedule for Oct. 1. Credit: Kevin Carter / Getty Images News / Getty Images North America The Department of Education plans to launch the 2026-27 FAFSA by October 2025. If successful, it’ll be the first time in three years the department launches by Oct. 1. Rollout of the two previous FAFSA forms experienced delays.
Workforce Pell Expansion Explained
Published on June 25, 2025 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act may allow students to use Pell Grants for certificate programs that last as little as eight weeks. Credit: J. David Ake / Getty Images News / Getty Images North America Students may soon be able to access federal grants for certificate programs as short as eight weeks. Workforce Pell Grant expansion has long been a policy issue with bipartisan support. Congress’ latest proposal, however, excludes some of the guardrails of previous proposals.
Proposed Pell Grant Cuts Could Impact Online, Adult Students
Updated on June 13, 2025 Experts told BestColleges that the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that passed the U.S. House in May could cause many part-time students to lose access to critical financial aid. Credit: Kevin Carter / Getty Images News The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that passed the House would increase the number of credits required to be a full-time student to 30 credits per year. This change could cause many part-time students to lose access to Pell Grants.
Students Applying for Federal Financial Aid Will See Stricter ID Requirements
Published on June 11, 2025 The Department of Education is requiring applicants to present a valid government-issued photo ID either in person or through live video to be eligible for federal student aid. Credit: Kevin Carter / Getty Images News The new requirement to show a valid government-issued ID will fully launch this fall. In the interim, it will only be required this summer for first-time applicants flagged by the Department of Education for potential federal student aid fraud.
Administrators Anticipate 'Disruption' of College Financial Aid Delivery
Published on June 3, 2025 Financial aid administrators are concerned that staff cuts at the Department of Education may impact students’ federal financial aid. Credit: Houston Chronicle/ Hearst Newspapers/ Getty Images The Department of Education has seen substantial layoffs since March. Financial aid administrators are worried that these layoffs could affect financial aid distribution. Nearly half said their primary concern relates to students receiving federal financial aid.
Trump Admin Wants To Cut Pell Grants
Published on June 3, 2025 President Donald Trump’s budget calls for a 22.8% decrease in the maximum Pell Grant award. Credit: Anadolu / Getty Images The current maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395. President Donald Trump proposed decreasing that to $5,710 for the 2026-27 academic year. It would be the first cut of the maximum Pell Grant since 1993. The White House blamed a projected Pell Grant funding shortfall for the proposed cuts.
Understanding the Future of Federal Financial Aid
Updated on May 27, 2025 BestColleges spoke with Melanie Storey, the newly appointed CEO and president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, to learn how changes to the federal financial aid system could impact students. Credit: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators The financial aid system may be in the beginning stages of significant change.
Education Department Cuts Could Leave Colleges Without Critical Data
Updated on May 23, 2025 Experts told BestColleges that cuts to the non-partisan Institute of Education Sciences could lead to gaps in the data that is used to analyze the U.S. higher education landscape and improve student outcomes. Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images The Department of Education has slashed staffing at the Institute of Education Sciences in recent months. These cuts have left experts worrying that the timeliness and quality of higher education data may suffer.
Proposal Changes Financial Aid Eligibility Guidelines
Updated on May 20, 2025 A Republican-led budget proposal would shrink the list of noncitizens eligible for federal financial aid. Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images The U.S. House of Representatives’ reconciliation bill proposal includes changes to federal financial aid eligibility. Notably, previously eligible noncitizens are not included in the new definition. Refugees and survivors of human trafficking, for example, are excluded from the House proposal.
Remedial College Education Reforms, Past and Future
Updated on May 12, 2025 Inside the past, present, and potential future of remedial education at U.S. colleges and universities. Credit: MediaNews Group / Long Beach Press-Telegram / Getty Images Forcing students to take remedial classes makes them less likely to complete gateway courses, research shows. Still, many college systems across the country utilize remedial courses. Many advocates are pushing for a new way to prepare students for math and English courses: corequisite education.
California Proposal to Widen Online College Options
Updated on May 8, 2025 The proposal would make it easier for Californians to enroll in out-of-state, online college programs. Credit: Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images California is currently the only state not participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. A proposed bill would push the state to join the agreement. If passed, students would be able to more easily enroll in out-of-state, online colleges.
Trump Budget Eliminates CCAMPIS Program
Updated on May 6, 2025 The president’s budget would completely eliminate childcare funding that benefits over 10,000 college students. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images News The CCAMPIS program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. In recent years, however, the program has been on the chopping block for Republican lawmakers. CCAMPIS grants help thousands of college students afford childcare and continue their studies each year.
Can FAFSA Data Identify Undocumented Parents?
Updated on May 5, 2025 As the Trump administration increases use of federal agencies’ data in its deportation push, some higher education advocates fear the FAFSA may be used to learn whether a student has a parent or spouse who is an undocumented immigrant. Credit: Bloomberg / Getty Images More than 17 million students complete FAFSA forms each year. Data from those submissions could be used to identify parents and spouses of parents who are in the U.S. without legal immigration status.
Republicans Propose Pell Grant Eligibility Cut
Updated on April 30, 2025 A new Republican proposal would require college students to enroll in at least 30 credit hours annually to qualify for a Pell Grant. Credit: RobertDodge / E+ / Getty Images Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to cut more than $330 billion in education spending by slashing federal student aid programs.
How to Pay for College When Your Parents Won't Help
Updated on April 28, 2025 Loans, grants, and scholarships can all go a long way in helping you afford a college education. Credit: O2O Creative / E+ / Getty Images Paying for a college education without parental assistance is possible. Grants, scholarships, and student loans can help you cover the cost of college. Loan forgiveness programs can help you clear your debt after graduation. You may also choose to work while you study to offset costs.
Trump Executive Order Targets DEI in College Accreditation
Updated on April 25, 2025 The order directs the education secretary to potentially suspend or terminate accreditors that include diversity, equity, and inclusion among their accreditation standards. Credit: Image Credit: SAUL LOEB / AFP / Getty Images President Donald Trump called U.S. college accreditors his “secret weapon” for altering higher education. He recently signed an executive order that would remake the accreditation system.
Bipartisan Proposal Would Make Pell Grants Tax-Exempt
Updated on April 21, 2025 The Tax-Free Pell Grant Act would also allow Pell Grant recipients to make full use of the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Credit: Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc. / Getty Images A bipartisan coalition of four representatives introduced the Tax-Free Pell Grant Act. If passed, the measure would make Pell Grant funds used on living expenses tax-exempt. The bill would be particularly helpful for community college students.
CCAMPIS Cuts Could Impact Parenting College Students
Advocates anticipate that Congress could soon cut grants providing childcare to some college students with dependent children. Credit: BRYAN DOZIER / AFP / Getty Images CCAMPIS grants allow colleges and universities to provide childcare for parenting students. Studies show that these grants often lead to higher graduation rates. Advocates anticipate cuts to the CCAMPIS program shortly. Experts warn about the potential downstream effects of cutting this program.
Student Advocates Sue to Stop Cuts to IES| BestColleges
The suit alleges that the Department of Education will soon fail to fulfill its duty of providing accurate data to prospective college students. Credit: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images News The Department of Education has recently cut many employees at the Institute of Education Sciences. IES oversees many systems that provide tuition and outcome data to prospective college students. Student success advocates worry staff cuts will inhibit the agency’s ability to provide transparency.
Affordable Loans for Students Act Introduced
Updated on April 8, 2025 The Affordable Loans for Students Act would cap student loan interest rates at 2% and automatically apply this new interest rate to existing loans. Credit: Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc / Getty Images Two Republicans and a Democrat introduced the Affordable Loans for Students Act. If passed, it would slash the existing fixed interest rates for student loans. Federal student loans currently have an interest rate of at least 6.5%.
Trump Admin to Redefine PSLF, IDR Programs
Updated on April 8, 2025 The Department of Education will have wide latitude to rewrite federal student loan forgiveness programs. Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images Two income-driven repayment plans will be put under the microscope in the coming months. Additionally, President Trump’s administration plans to amend a loan forgiveness program for public servants.
Where Did Theo Von Go to College?
Updated on April 7, 2025 The comedian bounced around between multiple institutions before eventually earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans. Credit: FilmMagic / Getty Images Theo Von is a stand-up comedian and media personality who hosts the popular podcast “This Past Weekend.” Von says he attended seven colleges and universities before earning his bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of New Orleans in 2011.
Education Department Cuts Could Impact College Students With Disabilities
Updated on April 4, 2025 Severe staff cuts at the Office for Civil Rights may limit college students’ ability to receive necessary accommodations, according to experts. Credit: MANDEL NGAN / AFP / Getty Images President Donald Trump’s administration has slashed staffing across the Department of Education.
How Moving Student Loan Portfolio Impacts Borrowers
Updated on March 26, 2025 Credit: Kent Nishimura / Bloomberg / Getty Images President Donald Trump is taking steps to “dismantle” the Department of Education. That includes handing control of the federal student loan portfolio to another agency. The Small Business Administration already manages loans made to small businesses. It’s unclear, however, when the SBA will take full control of the loan portfolio.
IDR Plan Online Applications Return
Updated on March 26, 2025 Borrowers can now apply for one of three IDR plans online. Credit: Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post / Getty Images Borrowers again have online access to loan repayment plans that calculate monthly payments based on family size and income. The most generous repayment plan for borrowers, however, is not available. President Donald Trump’s administration took down the application for IDR plans in late February.
Illinois Community College Spring Enrollment Grows 9%
Updated on March 21, 2025 Illinois has invested heavily in growing enrollment at its community colleges, and now spring enrollment has grown over 22% since 2022. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images News Illinois community colleges have posted impressive growth since 2022. The number of students enrolled in the 2025 spring semester grew 8.9% compared to last year. Online enrollment at two-year colleges, meanwhile, has declined in recent years.
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