Author | Lightnews

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 1h

Questioning higher ed’s value? Our newest blogs show why it still matters—and the real impact it’s having across the country.

✨Check them out at higheredvaluemetrics.org!

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Reposted by Third Way Education

The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 4d

The Trump administration reached an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers to expand the resumption of student loan forgiveness to several repayment plans.

Union reaches deal with Trump administration over student loan forgiveness

The agreement, pending court approval, ensures the Education Department processes loan forgiveness applications for more borrowers in income-driven repayment plans

www.washingtonpost.com

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 6d

ICYMI: While we wait for the next neg reg session, check out our latest on defining graduate education. Negotiators should keep the “professional student” definition narrow to stop students from taking on unnecessary debt. ⬇️ www.thirdway.org/blog/profess...

Third Way

www.thirdway.org

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 8d

As our friends and allies face uncertainty and instability in the workforce, we want to share our higher ed policy job board, which is updated frequently! Explore the latest postings or submit a position if your organization is hiring. 💼

Higher Ed Policy is Hiring

The premiere spot to access all the latest job listings in the higher education policy space.

buff.ly

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 8d

ED laid off nearly all staff overseeing special education, raising concerns about how students with disabilities will get the support they’re entitled to under IDEA as federal oversight and guidance fall into question.

🔗 More from @zachschermele.bsky.social: www.usatoday.com/story/news/e...

Education Department wipes out special ed office in shutdown layoffs, union says

The Education Department laid off nearly everyone at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

www.usatoday.com

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 9d

Project 2025’s education checklist is in motion. Our memo revisits these proposals and breaks down what’s at stake for educators and students. Check it out! 🔍 buff.ly/TZtorBm

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 13d

Graduate education is under the policy microscope, and the numbers tell an important story: nearly half of grad students borrow more than they expected. Learn how transparency and thoughtful policy can help students navigate the costs of graduate school 💡: buff.ly/eFCy5wg

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 15d

College rankings that value impact over prestige give regional schools a boost. Insight Into Academia reports on how affordability, mobility, and local impact factor into the scores. 🔗https://buff.ly/UFoVe0y

Rethinking College Rankings: A New Approach Uplifts Regional Schools | Insight Into Academia

What if the best college in America isn’t ivy-covered or sitting on a billion-dollar endowment? A growing movement is questioning traditional ranking systems that reward exclusivity rather than…

insightintoacademia.com

Reposted by Third Way Education

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 29d

📣We’re growing our education team! Third Way is hiring a Higher Education Policy Advisor. If you’re ready to make an impact in higher ed policy, apply today!
🔗 buff.ly/q45LPFO

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 21d

Students go to college to earn more—but are institutions delivering? 🎓💸 Congress is taking steps to hold schools accountable. Watch our latest animated video to learn more!

Third Way

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 22d

As neg reg sessions kick off this week, one decision is looming: how we should define professional programs. Too many exceptions, and loan limits lose their meaning. 👀 Read our blog to see what’s at stake: www.thirdway.org/blog/profess...

Third Way

www.thirdway.org

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 26d

Grad debt makes up nearly half of student loans. In our latest blog, @bencecil.bsky.social argued Congress intended a narrow definition of ‘professional’ programs so students aren’t overborrowing and have manageable debt. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social @insidehighered.com 🔗: buff.ly/0BSvDPN

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 26d

Student loan rules are on the table. As negotiators define ‘graduate’ and ‘professional’ programs under OBBBA, access to federal aid and student debt outcomes hang in the balance. Learn more from @bencecil.bsky.social ⤵️
buff.ly/94wWcIz

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 27d

#AANAPISIWeek spotlight✨: Swipe through to see how these top 4 AANAPISIs are supporting Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students—helping them graduate, succeed in careers, and build stronger communities.
🔗Check them out: buff.ly/KAABZ9i

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 28d

It’s #HBCUWeek! HBCUs are just 3% of US colleges but graduate about 1 in 5 Black undergrads. Eight made the top tier of our Economic Mobility Index—here are 4 standouts👇
buff.ly/KAABZ9i

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · 29d

📣We’re growing our education team! Third Way is hiring a Higher Education Policy Advisor. If you’re ready to make an impact in higher ed policy, apply today!
🔗 buff.ly/q45LPFO

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 22

💡Want a clearer picture of how higher education really pays off? Our latest memo shows how the Institute of Education Sciences can leverage better data—from NCES surveys to community college outcomes—to help students and taxpayers see the full story.
🔗 www.thirdway.org/memo/four-wa...

Third Way

www.thirdway.org

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 18

ICYMI: The earnings threshold in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act might sound wonky, but our latest video breaks it down. It’s simple—if a credential doesn’t lead to better financial outcomes, the program shouldn’t receive federal dollars. Check it out! 🎥

Earnings Threshold 101 video

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 17

HSIs are engines of opportunity—driving Latino student success and fueling socioeconomic mobility since their federal recognition in 1992.🎓 Read Dr. Stephanie Aguilar-Smith's insights on their lasting impact and success.
🔗 www.thirdway.org/report/servi...

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 16

Our latest memo from @emiliarounds.bsky.social highlights 4 ways IES can improve student outcomes data: 📝 Maintain NCES surveys 🤝 Strengthen IPEDS links 🎓 Enhance grad data 📊 Publish CC success data. Read more here: buff.ly/asQ5Xpy

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 16

HSIs drive access + socioeconomic mobility with fewer resources. Supporting them strengthens America's "competitiveness, democracy, and shared prosperity." Pulling back isn’t neutral—it’s damaging. Excelencia in Education explains why ⬇️
buff.ly/J22tEvC

The Case for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Opportunity Meeting Talent

By: Deborah A. Santiago, CEO, Excelencia in Education

excelenciaineducation.medium.com

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 15

Looking for your next move in higher ed policy?🔍 Our job board just got fresh listings!

Associate, Academic Affairs – APLU
Senior Policy Analyst – SHEEO
Assistant Director of Policy – IHEP

Submit your own role or explore more opportunities at higheredpolicyjobs.org.

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 12

College should be a launchpad, not a liability. @MichelleDimino (for @AEIeducation) outlines how an earnings test + targeted support can drive accountability, protect taxpayers, and ensure higher ed delivers real value. Explore the report ⬇️
buff.ly/my5zFBC

Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 11

Students go to college to boost their earnings. But what happens when schools fall short? Our latest animated video explains the new earnings threshold and why it matters. 🎥

Earnings Threshold 101 video

buff.ly

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Third Way Education @thirdwayedu.bsky.social · Sep 9

Senior Policy Advisor @bencecil.bsky.social partnered up w/ New America's edu team for a presentation on measuring higher ed value to students & stakeholders at the 2025 NCAN Conference—because confirming that college delivers real results is key to keeping it a trusted pathway for opportunity. 🤝

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