[EdNews] Higher Education Edition

No one knows better than educators about the importance of staying up-to-date. As part of our periodical Topical EdNews Round Up series, you’ll find the latest education news on important industry topics in one place.

Between the student debt crisis, admissions scandals, and colleges buying student data to boost exclusivity, there’s a lot to dive into when it comes to higher education. In this week’s edition of the EdNews Round Up, explore topics centered around issues faced by higher education institutions, students, and graduates.

For Sale: SAT-Takers’ Names. Colleges Buy Student Data and Boost Exclusivity
The Wall Street Journal
Colleges rise in national rankings and reputation when they show data suggesting they are more selective. They can do that by rejecting more applicants, whether or not those candidates ever stood a chance. Some applicants, in effect, become unknowing pawns.

Student Debt Explained: Breaking Down the $1.6T in Loans
U.S. News
The Democratic presidential candidates have big plans to reduce student debt. Here’s where the debt comes from.

Most Of Nation's Top Public Universities Aren't Affordable For Low-Income Students
NPR
America's top public universities, known as flagships, are generally the most well-resourced public universities in their respective states. They're rigorous schools, and many were built on federal land grants meant to serve the "industrial classes." Today, only four public flagship universities are affordable for students from low-income families, according to a report from the Institute for Higher Education Policy.

The Latest Innovation in Student Retention at Colleges: ‘Food Scholarships’
EdSurge
College kids have a reputation for seeking out free food, and that's why any student organizer knows that ordering pizza is a good way to lure folks to a meeting. But for many students, hunger is a far more serious problem.

Many Young People Think a High School Diploma Is Enough, Poll Finds
EdWeek
Two new polls show that Americans—particularly young Americans—don’t see a college degree as crucial to their career success, yet one more sign that people are questioning whether higher education is worth the debt that typically comes with it.

What’s the Difference Between a College and a University?
The Atlantic
Many colleges—often obscure ones of middling selectivity—have converted to universities in recent years, seemingly in the hopes of raising their profiles. But whether there’s a material distinction between a college and a university depends on whom you ask—and many people don’t know the difference.

Graduates value degrees and courses relevant to their jobs, survey finds
Education Dive
The report's authors note that students don't just consider wages when determining the value of their credentials. They also want to see the connection between their education and careers. For instance, students viewed college majors as more valuable when they were tied to specific jobs.

Tuition at public colleges has increased in all 50 states over the past 10 years—here’s how your state compares
CNBC
Today, nearly 20 million students are enrolled in American colleges, and they are paying some of the highest costs in history — even at public colleges and universities.

Education policy is often a topic of conversation in state and federal legislatures. In this special topical edition, we highlight a few stories regarding higher education policy at the state and national level.

Judge upholds University of Missouri’s ban on guns on campus
The Washington Post
A federal judge has upheld the University of Missouri’s ban on carrying concealed guns on campus. Circuit Judge Jeff Harris on Monday rejected the Missouri attorney general’s arguments that the ban violates the state constitution. He also said the ban supports the university’s interest in promoting safety on its campuses.

Exclusive: Less Than 25% of L.A. Public School Seniors Last Year Took the Type of Elective Class California State University Wants to Make a Requirement
The 74
As the country’s largest four-year public university considers adding a fourth-year math/quantitative reasoning requirement to its admissions standards, new data obtained by The 74 show that less than a quarter of L.A. Unified seniors last year took such a class.

California must build the capacity of its public universities to admit more computer science majors
EdSource
California’s public higher education systems do not have the capacity now to adequately meet the existing surging student demand for Computer Science (CS) majors, a problem which will only escalate further as more K12 students get access to computer science. This is especially impactful to minority and low-income groups, who may not have the access to advanced CS coursework and practical experience during high school, putting them at greater disadvantage as strapped college and university programs tighten CS admissions requirements.

Professors protest on public university campuses across New Jersey
PIX 11 News
College professors protested on public campuses across New Jersey Wednesday to demand higher pay and better benefits, including at: The College of New Jersey, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Ramapo College, Stockton University, Thomas Edison State University and William Paterson University.

GaDOE Eliminates Double-Testing of AP, IB Students
Patch
The Georgia Department of Education is making changes to ensure students who take Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses are not double-tested.

College Enrollment Numbers Slipping in Pennsylvania
WNEP 16
College enrollment numbers across the nation are slipping, but here in Pennsylvania, numbers are at a low not seen in years. There is an especially steep decline in the system of state-owned universities.