James Kvaal, former under secretary of education in the Biden administration, shares insights on the challenges and achievements of educational policies. He discusses the Biden administration's commitment to student-debt relief amid political opposition. Kvaal reflects on the controversial overhaul of the FAFSA and its impact on financial aid. He addresses public skepticism about higher education's value and the ongoing importance of funding colleges to tackle societal issues like inequality and climate change.
The Biden administration prioritized student-debt relief and federal support in higher education, contrasting with Trump's call for reduced federal oversight.
Challenges in the FAFSA rollout highlighted significant barriers to accessing financial aid, emphasizing the need for better management of federal systems.
Deep dives
The Dual Perspectives on Federal Involvement in Education
The role of the federal government in higher education has become a contentious topic, especially in light of changing administrations. While President Biden emphasized the federal government's responsibility in protecting students, particularly regarding student debt management, a contrasting viewpoint from President Trump advocates for diminished federal oversight, suggesting that states should have more control. This ideological divide highlights deep-rooted beliefs about the efficacy of federal policies in supporting educational institutions and enhancing access for students. Ultimately, the discussions around the Department of Education reflect broader debates about the balance of power in educational governance.
The Impact of Student Debt on Economic Mobility
Student debt has emerged as a significant barrier for many, affecting not just individual borrowers but the economy as a whole. The rising costs of education and increased reliance on loans have created challenges for individuals aiming to buy homes, start businesses, or save for their futures. Historical data indicates that before the moratorium on loan payments, a staggering number of borrowers were defaulting, which raises concerns about equitable opportunities across different demographics. Addressing student debt is not solely an educational issue; it intersects deeply with economic mobility and systemic fairness.
Challenges in FAFSA Implementation and Reform
The rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form revealed substantial technical difficulties that impeded students' access to necessary financial aid. As the Department of Education transitioned between outdated systems, the glitches and delays frustrated both students and educational institutions. Despite these setbacks, there was an effort to mitigate the impact on students, ultimately resulting in an increase in aid applications compared to previous years. This experience underscored the need for improved management and innovative solutions in managing the complexities of federal financial aid systems.
Reevaluating the Value of Higher Education
Public perception of higher education is increasingly fraught with skepticism, as more individuals question its value in today's economy. Concerns regarding high tuition costs and student debt have contributed to a growing sentiment that may lead potential students to seek alternatives outside traditional college pathways. This broader context demands a reassessment of how colleges and universities communicate their value and contributions to society. Engaging more deeply with communities and addressing critiques could foster a more positive outlook toward higher education and reaffirm its essential role in societal advancement.
On the campaign trail, President Trump promised to do away with the U.S. Department of Education, leaning on a Republican mantra that the federal government meddles too much in decisions that are better left to state officials. But a very different philosophy prevailed in Washington during the presidency of Joe Biden, who embraced student-debt relief as a key priority and leaned on the education department to execute a bold — if not always successful — agenda. In an exit interview with The Chronicle, the Biden administration’s under secretary of education, James Kvaal, reflects on the department’s work, its failures, and the future of Democratic higher-ed policy.
Closing the Department of Education? (4:16 - 7:25)
Biden and student-debt relief (7:25 - 11:14)
Is debt relief dead? (11:17 - 14:20)
FAFSA failure (14:55 - 22:45)
Public confidence in higher ed (22:46 - 23:56)
Abandoning college for all? (23:56 - 26:07)
Culture wars, discrimination, critiques of higher ed (26:08 - 31:32)
Related Reading:
Biden’s Debt-Cancellation Plan Draws Praise and Skepticism
$189 Billion in Student-Loan Forgiveness (The Washington Post)
What the FAFSA Just Happened? (College Matters from The Chronicle)
Guest:James Kvaal, former under secretary of education
For more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.
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