higher education

Millions of people with federal student loans are facing changes to their payment options. And some new borrowers will deal with caps that won’t cover the entire cost of their education. It’s the result of a complete overhaul of federal student loan policies under President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Nearly 8 million borrowers on the SAVE plan face dramatic monthly payment increases as sweeping federal changes eliminate most income-driven repayment options. Kansas City-area borrowers could see bills jump by hundreds per month.

The new Johnson County Community College policy is meant to comply with a White House directive that says colleges must ensure "illegal aliens" do not get federal assistance. One part-time instructor has already resigned from his job in protest.

Leaders of community colleges say many students are confused about the status of their loans and failing to repay them. If too many students default, community colleges can lose federal funding.

Pay raises approved unanimously by the Kansas Board of Regents range from 4% to 12% and come as most Kansas colleges have cut budgets and raised tuition to address projected enrollment declines.

The struggles of prisoners illustrate flaws in Nebraska’s prison education system despite some recent successes. Getting a post-secondary education while incarcerated is challenging, confusing and ever-changing.

University of Missouri-Kansas City undergraduate students who are residents will pay at least $19.55 more per credit hour, for a total of $411.20 per credit hour. Nonresidents will see an increase of at least $51.05.

The UMKC Conservatory announced a planned expansion for its facilities that will aim to increase "performance, classroom and collaboration opportunities for students and the Kansas City community." The first phase is estimated to cost $35 million.

The concept of diversity, equity and inclusion has been thrust into the political spotlight as President Donald Trump targets programs on college campuses that try to support historically underrepresented groups. But Kansas experts say that DEI is being misrepresented.

The bill includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against natural Black hairstyles. But many House Democrats argue it also contains language that could protect campus student groups that engage in discriminatory behavior.

The teachers union at Wichita State University says more than two dozen international students have had their visas revoked and face deportation or other consequences under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

A recruitment manager at Missouri Western State University passed along an order to stop doing visits or fairs at 23 urban and inner-suburb schools in Kansas City and St. Louis. The school says that directive was reversed, but questions remain about who ordered the email, what inspired it and what it means for students.