increasing access and success

The cost of college is a hot topic around kitchen tables and on the campaign trail. But will it remain a top issue a year from now, when it's time for Americans to vote for a new president? A new WGBH News poll indicates there’s increased interest now, but history tells us other themes will probably surpass it in the general election.

Just this week some undocumented immigrant students in Massachusetts were made eligible for a prestigious state scholarship at four-year public schools. Immigration advocates welcome that development, but say much more needs to be done. Most undocumented students, including those who attend the state's community colleges, are still not eligible for financial aid.

More than half of all community college students need to take developmental courses in math or English before starting their two-year degrees. So some schools are trying something different to prevent these students from dropping out.

About a quarter of the students who attend community college in the U.S. come from immigrant backgrounds. They face the same challenges as their non-immigrant classmates but they also experience a different set of struggles, related to language, culture, and helping their families navigate life in a new land.

As part of our weeklong series on community colleges, "College Material," host of WGBH's Greater Boston Jim Braude weighs in on whether community colleges should be free. 

A new survey from WGBH News finds that the majority of Americans would recommend two-year community colleges over a four-year program to high school students borrowing for college.

A senior at Georgetown University reflects on Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. and what the pope's message of mercy and forgiveness means for the oldest Catholic university in the country.

For decades, the Perkins Loan program has helped poor students pay for college. But without Congressional action, the country's oldest federal student loan program could end this week, affecting thousands of low-income students.

As Pope Francis continues his tour in the U.S., he’s being welcomed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The popular pontiff is rekindling passion at one of the nation’s most prominent Catholic universities.

Massachusetts lawmakers are eyeing a bill that would make community colleges tuition-free for some in-state students. The bill got a hearing before the Legislature's Joint Committee on Higher Education on Wednesday.