Faculty affordability took middle stage this week as states, universities, and federal companies rolled out modifications that might reshape how college students pay for varsity — or what occurs in the event that they fall behind.
From new tuition-free pathways and expanded twin enrollment to the return of aggressive student-loan collections and looming forgiveness deadlines, these developments carry actual penalties for households planning the following few years.
Right here’s a fast have a look at an important tales shaping greater training and scholar funds this week for January 16, 2026.
🎓 Headlines at a Look
- A serious Texas college launches a tuition-free program for middle-income households.
- Connecticut expands twin enrollment and profession pathways to chop faculty prices earlier.
- Federal wage garnishment for defaulted scholar loans returns in 2026.
- Some scholar mortgage debtors face key deadlines to guard eligibility for scholar mortgage forgiveness.
College of North Texas
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1. College of North Texas Launches Tuition-Free Program
The College of North Texas announced a new initiative that can cowl full tuition and necessary charges for incoming freshmen from Texas households incomes $100,000 or much less, beginning in fall 2026. This system applies to first-time college students who graduate from a Texas highschool and both qualify for Pell Grants or rank within the high quarter of their graduating class.
Eligible college students are routinely thought of as soon as they’re admitted and full the FAFSA by the college’s deadline. This provides to the rising list of tuition-free colleges.
➡️ Influence: Tuition-free ensures are increasing past low-income thresholds. For middle-income households squeezed by rising prices however ineligible for big financial aid packages, packages like this could considerably cut back borrowing.
2. Connecticut Expands Twin Enrollment and Profession Pathway Packages
Connecticut officers unveiled a statewide effort to broaden dual enrollment, early faculty credit score, and career-connected studying for highschool college students. The initiative goals to let extra college students graduate with faculty credit already accomplished or credentials aligned with native workforce wants.
State leaders say the main target is on lowering time to diploma whereas giving college students earlier publicity to post-secondary choices — whether or not faculty, coaching, or a mix of each.
➡️ Influence: Twin enrollment stays some of the efficient instruments for lowering total college costs. Each credit score earned in highschool is one much less paid for later, usually at a lot greater tuition charges.
3. Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Scholar Loans Returns in 2026
Federal scholar mortgage collections have formally resumed. The U.S. Division of Training will resume wage garnishment for borrowers in default — outlined as loans greater than 270 days overdue.
Below federal legislation, as much as 15% of disposable wages may be withheld after a required discover interval. Debtors can keep away from garnishment by coming into student loan rehabilitation, consolidating their loans, or enrolling in an income-driven reimbursement plan earlier than garnishment begins.
➡️ Influence: Garnishment reduces take-home pay instantly and may compound monetary stress. Debtors in default nonetheless have choices, however the window to behave is shrinking.
4. Key Deadlines Loom for Scholar Mortgage Forgiveness Eligibility
Some debtors who’re pursuing student loan forgiveness underneath income-driven reimbursement plans face necessary deadlines in 2026, with some actions needing to be accomplished by March to protect eligibility or keep away from shedding progress.
In case you have Mother or father PLUS Loans, here is the timeline you need to take actions if you wish to protect entry to mortgage forgiveness packages.
➡️ Influence: Forgiveness isn’t computerized. Staying eligible usually requires well timed paperwork, plan modifications, or consolidation — particularly as federal guidelines proceed to shift.
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Editor: Colin Graves
The put up This Week In College And Money News: January 16, 2026 appeared first on The College Investor.
