Latest
Commentary
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March 18, 2026
Students and Taxpayers Deserve Outcome Transparency
Public confidence in higher education has plummeted to historic lows. Parents, students, and even colleges are increasingly aware that not all college degrees are likely to meaningfully improve students’ future earnings.
Statement
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March 16, 2026
AFPI Applauds Department of Labor’s Efforts to Bolster Apprenticeships
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has released the following joint statement from the Education Freedom and American Dream campaigns in response to new guidance issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
Research Report
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March 12, 2026
A Higher Education Compact that Protects American Students, Parents and Taxpayers
In October of 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) shared a draft document titled Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education (Compact) with a select group of university leaders. Consistent with the Trump Administration’s demonstrated commitment to transparency, the first-of-its-kind prospectus documented the federal government’s top priorities and expectations for colleges and universities in exchange for the tremendous investment made by taxpayers in postsecondary education.
Research Report
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February 26, 2026
Aligning Postsecondary Education to Employment and Labor Market Outcomes
There is an implied understanding between the students who take on debt to attend college, the federal government that provides loans and grants on behalf of the student to pursue a degree, and the college that receives payment to provide education. The belief is that investments in higher education will lead students to gainful employment in a field related to their college major or program.
Expert Insights
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February 23, 2026
How a Compact Restores Public Trust in American Higher Education
Americans have lost faith in their institutions of higher education. According to Gallup, only 42% of Americans expressed confidence in American higher education in 2025, down from 57% in 2015 and up only slightly from 36% in 2023 and 2024. Findings from the Pew Research Center confirm this trend: a 2025 poll found 70% of Americans believe higher education is “going in the wrong direction,” up from 56% in 2020. Only 28% think higher education is “going in the right direction,” down from 38% in 2020.
Experts on Post Secondary Education
Erika Donalds
Chair, Education Opportunity
Jay Menees, Ph.D.
Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education and Economy & Trade Policy
Christopher Schorr, Ph.D.
Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative
Michael Shires, Ph.D.
Vice Chair of Education Opportunity
Jovan Tripkovic
Policy Analyst, Higher Education Reform Initiative
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