August 09, 2026 to August 15, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, international students, student housing, research initiatives, and federal research funding opportunities. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Higher Ed - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Department of Education Releases Semiannual Unified Regulatory Agenda

The U.S. Department of Education published its semiannual Unified Agenda on August 14, outlining upcoming regulatory actions and completed items under the Office of Postsecondary Education. The agenda details the implementation of reforms driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill, including the elimination of graduate and professional PLUS Loans and the phasing out income contingent repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans. The regulatory timeline includes a Notice of Intent to Commence Negotiated Rulemaking (April 2025), Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (January 2026), and a final action effective July 1, 2026. Regulations enforce new loan limits ($20,000 for graduate, $50,000 for professional students) and establish a Repayment Assistance Plan. The agenda encourages public participation via www.reginfo.gov and provides clear contact points for regulatory information.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Institute of Education Sciences Announces FY2027 Research Training Competitions

On August 10, the Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education began soliciting applications for Fiscal Year 2027 research competitions. Opportunities include Research Training Programs in Education Sciences and Special Education, Statistical and Research Methodology in Education, and initiatives using longitudinal data for state decision-making in education. Eligible applicants include state agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and higher education institutions. Awards range from $800,000 to $1,200,000, depending on the program. Applications must be submitted by October 1 via Grants.gov, with selection criteria focused on evidence-based research and state-level data utilization for program and policy decisions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection for Student Work Study Reporting

The Department of Education issued a notice on August 10 seeking public comment on an extension of the Federal Work Study (FWS) Wages for Student Aid Index information collection. Participating institutions must report FWS earnings to support eligibility calculations for Title IV student financial aid. The OMB control number is 1845-0178, and the request reduces the annual burden by 200 hours, with no substantive changes beyond that adjustment. Stakeholders may submit comments through www.reginfo.gov prior to September 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Education Department Advances Loan Repayment Study

The Institute of Education Sciences received OMB clearance to conduct interviews for the 'Shaping the Future of Loan Repayment' study. The project aims to ascertain borrower perceptions of federal student loan repayment plans, including program features such as forgiveness, payment caps, and interest subsidies. The sample includes 60 annual respondents, and the Department will use the data to assess enrollment patterns in income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Feedback on collection is accepted through September 9, following the Paperwork Reduction Act procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Special Education Spending Study Launches Full-Scale Data Collection

The Institute of Education Sciences, via the National Center for Education Statistics, announced Full Study data collection for the National Study of Special Education Spending. Surveys will target state education staff, district administrators, school personnel, and include financial data from local education agencies. The study, approved under OMB 1850-1000, aims to produce national estimates of special education expenditures during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years, segmented by disability category, district, and student characteristics. Responses are due by October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Lifelong Learning Act Introduced in House

Bill 10085, titled "Lifelong Learning Act," was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on August 13. The proposal addresses continuing education and skill development for postsecondary students, with committee deliberation expected to shape future provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Matched Savings Program for Low-Income Students Proposed

Bill 10097 seeks to establish a federal matched savings program for low-income students. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and will undergo review for possible policy implications in student financial assistance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Excise Tax Bill Targets Institutions Allowing Male Athletes in Female Programs

House Bill 10090 proposes an excise tax on institutions that permit male participation in female intercollegiate athletics. The latest action occurred August 13, with referral to the Committee on Ways and Means. The bill's text amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Restrict Foreign Nationals’ Admittance to National Laboratories

Bill 10092, introduced and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, would prohibit National Laboratories from admitting certain foreign nationals. The bill is positioned for committee review for impacts on international student and researcher access.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Data Center Community Reinvestment Act of 2026

Bill 10102, the Data Center Community Reinvestment Act of 2026, was referred to multiple committees, including Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology. The legislation aims at community reinvestment mechanisms linked to data center operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• America is losing ground in the global race for college students: Axios reviews declining international student enrollment and factors altering U.S. competitiveness.
• The coming resistance to Trump’s higher ed agenda: Politico explores anticipated opposition to the administration’s higher education policy priorities.
• Opinion | Even Elite Colleges Have Become Trade Schools: NYT opinion assesses curriculum shifts at elite institutions toward vocational preparation.
• An ‘influencer’ degree? Colleges bet on content creator major as critics question its value: AP highlights the emergence of influencer degree programs and debates around practical value.
• Opinion | How Colleges Produce Socialists: WSJ opinion considers ideological trends in campus environments.
• Education - Page 2: NYT education section features recent reporting on academic governance, college admissions, and student outcomes.

.