Substitute SB 5,841 would expand the state's High School and Beyond Plan platform to import Washington Student Achievement Council financial-aid application data and add the Washington Opportunity Scholarship to required student counseling information.

Lawmakers and multiple industry and education witnesses urged the committee to expand the Washington College Grant to eligible short nondegree credential programs, saying it would improve access to family‑wage jobs; witnesses also pressed for guardrails on program quality and questioned long‑term effectiveness of micro‑credentials.

Oklahoma defines financial aid criteria for students adopted from state custody or tribal agencies

Faculty seeks financial relief for students during assembly discussions on potential conflicts of interest.

Commissioner creates FAFSA Trust Fund to enhance student financial aid application support.

Community colleges adopt measures to improve college preparations and financial aid access for students.

Commission reports to Maryland legislature on financial aid and higher education diversity compliance

Panel addresses mental health challenges and simplifying grant processes for college students.

Senate passes multiple education bills supporting homeless students and expanding attorney loan forgiveness.

On the PHEAA podcast, hosts reviewed federal changes from the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' — elimination of Grad PLUS, limits on Parent PLUS, pro‑rata loan rules and a new REPAYE income‑driven plan set to begin July 1 — and discussed how PHEAA’s PA Forward loan products fit into the landscape.