Latest
Statement
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May 11, 2026
New Rules from Ed to Simplify Student Loan Payments & Lower College Costs
AFPI has released the following statement from Dr. Michael A. Shires, vice chair for Education Opportunity, on the U.S. Department of Education’s newly released rules which intend to lower college costs and simplify student loan repayments.
State Testimony
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March 19, 2026
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Workforce in the Skilled Trades
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute. Our guiding principles are liberty, free enterprise, foreign-policy engagement in the American interest, freedom of conscience, and the primacy of American workers, families, and communities. To this end, AFPI affirms and celebrates the American experiment and works to promulgate American values in our educational institutions, public policy, and culture. We are committed to policies that prioritize American workers, foster economic independence, and promote practical training pathways to high paying jobs.
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.
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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