Between lightning-fast completion times and innovative state policy, FAFSA completion rates are up 12% over the Class of 2023, according to the National College Attainment Network.

Many teachers and students raise concerns about cheating, sparking some institutions to try to ban the technology or to get students to promise not to use it.

Recent economic headwinds and policy changes have led to proposed or enacted cuts to public university and college funding across at least 15 states this year.

Texas’ ban on DEI programs and LGBTQ+ topics in schools heads to court Dec. 10. Florida’s similar case offers clues, but experts say Texas’ broader law raises new constitutional concerns.