A majority of colleges plan next year to continue using a bank-based student-loan program that President Obama hopes to do away with the following year, according to survey results released on Monday by Student Lending Analytics, an independent research and advisory firm..
Colleges paid more for employee health coverage in 2008-9 -- and so did employees who are usually required to contribute a share of those costs. The increased costs for colleges outpaced those of the employees, especially those with family coverage. These are some of the findings from the annual survey on benefits conducted by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. While some increased costs are expected, this year's totals may be more painful both to individuals (many of whom are making do without raises or with furloughs that effectively cut salaries) and to institutions (many of which are taking in less money than in previous years). At the same time, the survey noted expanded coverage for same-sex domestic partners of college employees, which may soon be offered by at least half of colleges, according to the survey...
A few weeks after wrapping up their budgets for the new fiscal year, lawmakers in some states already expect a new round of spending cuts, including to higher education, as tax revenues continue to fall. Estimates of states' revenue shortfalls have grown worse since the spring, reaching a total of nearly $143-billion when most states began the 2010 fiscal year, on July 1, according to a survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures. But at least 11 states are already expecting to make midyear cuts, totaling more than $22-billion, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an advocacy group...
