Ben Cecil
@bencecil.bsky.social
Senior Education Policy Advisor @thirdwayedu.bsky.social
Washington, D.C.
https://www.thirdway.org/about/staff/ben-cecil
Washington, D.C.
https://www.thirdway.org/about/staff/ben-cecil
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Grad debt makes up nearly half of student loans. In our latest blog, @bencecil.bsky.social argued Congress intended a narrow definition of ‘professional’ programs so students aren’t overborrowing and have manageable debt. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social @insidehighered.com 🔗: buff.ly/0BSvDPN
September 26, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Grad debt makes up nearly half of student loans. In our latest blog, @bencecil.bsky.social argued Congress intended a narrow definition of ‘professional’ programs so students aren’t overborrowing and have manageable debt. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social @insidehighered.com 🔗: buff.ly/0BSvDPN
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Student loan rules are on the table. As negotiators define ‘graduate’ and ‘professional’ programs under OBBBA, access to federal aid and student debt outcomes hang in the balance. Learn more from @bencecil.bsky.social ⤵️
buff.ly/94wWcIz
buff.ly/94wWcIz
September 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Student loan rules are on the table. As negotiators define ‘graduate’ and ‘professional’ programs under OBBBA, access to federal aid and student debt outcomes hang in the balance. Learn more from @bencecil.bsky.social ⤵️
buff.ly/94wWcIz
buff.ly/94wWcIz
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Our senior policy advisor @bencecil.bsky.social told @usatoday.com that the loan caps for grad students and parents in the Senate’s reconciliation bill are “much more reasonable” than those in the House’s. Read more about proposed student loan changes. 💰
Major student loan changes just came one step closer to becoming law
Senate Republicans advanced a legislative package that would slash the number of student loan repayment plans and increase regulations on colleges.
buff.ly
June 12, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Our senior policy advisor @bencecil.bsky.social told @usatoday.com that the loan caps for grad students and parents in the Senate’s reconciliation bill are “much more reasonable” than those in the House’s. Read more about proposed student loan changes. 💰
I'm looking forward to attending the EWA National Seminar in St. Louis next week. Reporters on the higher education beat, let's connect and chat—there's a lot going on here in DC! #highered #highereducation
May 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I'm looking forward to attending the EWA National Seminar in St. Louis next week. Reporters on the higher education beat, let's connect and chat—there's a lot going on here in DC! #highered #highereducation
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Our Senior Policy Advisor, @bencecil.bsky.social , joined “Trust Be Told” to explore the complex challenges + urgent opportunities facing higher ed institutions in the US and how to rebuild confidence in the value of a degree. Catch the full conversation on Spotify & Apple Podcasts! 🎙️
April 29, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Our Senior Policy Advisor, @bencecil.bsky.social , joined “Trust Be Told” to explore the complex challenges + urgent opportunities facing higher ed institutions in the US and how to rebuild confidence in the value of a degree. Catch the full conversation on Spotify & Apple Podcasts! 🎙️
Amidst the push for loan cancellation, one of the downstream effects is how high schoolers' think about college value and whether or not it's worth it. In my latest for @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, we analyze how students today are thinking about loans, cost, and whether higher ed is for them.
Did you know many high schoolers fear student debt more than the prospect of a lower-paying job? 😱 Our latest poll explores how rising costs and loan concerns are shaping their views on higher education. Read more about students’ perceptions:
Third Way
www.thirdway.org
April 11, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Amidst the push for loan cancellation, one of the downstream effects is how high schoolers' think about college value and whether or not it's worth it. In my latest for @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, we analyze how students today are thinking about loans, cost, and whether higher ed is for them.
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Calls to privatize student loans are gaining traction—but would it really fix the system? It could mean higher costs, stricter eligibility & fewer protections. Rather than dismantling federal loans, accountability & efficiency are key. Read more from @bencecil.bsky.social 💰: buff.ly/f5G126Z
April 1, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Calls to privatize student loans are gaining traction—but would it really fix the system? It could mean higher costs, stricter eligibility & fewer protections. Rather than dismantling federal loans, accountability & efficiency are key. Read more from @bencecil.bsky.social 💰: buff.ly/f5G126Z
There's been much chatter about how to reform student loans, including privatization.
In my latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, I examine the claims of privatization advocates and explain how such a move would impact students, families, and taxpayers.
READ: www.thirdway.org/memo/privati...
In my latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, I examine the claims of privatization advocates and explain how such a move would impact students, families, and taxpayers.
READ: www.thirdway.org/memo/privati...
Third Way
www.thirdway.org
March 31, 2025 at 3:26 PM
There's been much chatter about how to reform student loans, including privatization.
In my latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, I examine the claims of privatization advocates and explain how such a move would impact students, families, and taxpayers.
READ: www.thirdway.org/memo/privati...
In my latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social, I examine the claims of privatization advocates and explain how such a move would impact students, families, and taxpayers.
READ: www.thirdway.org/memo/privati...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Did you know that regional public universities (RPUs) educate 70% of all students attending four-year public institutions in the US each year? 🤔With affordability being one of RPUs’ major draw, these institutions provide incredible value and ROI:
Regional Public Universities: Expanding Higher Education's ROI for Students and Communities – Third Way
Third Way is a center-left think tank that champions modern solutions to the most challenging problems in US public policy, including the economy, climate and energy, national security, social…
www.thirdway.org
March 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Did you know that regional public universities (RPUs) educate 70% of all students attending four-year public institutions in the US each year? 🤔With affordability being one of RPUs’ major draw, these institutions provide incredible value and ROI:
Reposted by Ben Cecil
We describe how different types of RPUs create value for their regions and students. We conclude with policy recommendations that at the time, seemed great but now seem downright fantastical but are still worth stating.
Thanks to @bencecil.bsky.social for the invite to write about RPUs!
Thanks to @bencecil.bsky.social for the invite to write about RPUs!
March 12, 2025 at 6:50 PM
We describe how different types of RPUs create value for their regions and students. We conclude with policy recommendations that at the time, seemed great but now seem downright fantastical but are still worth stating.
Thanks to @bencecil.bsky.social for the invite to write about RPUs!
Thanks to @bencecil.bsky.social for the invite to write about RPUs!
Reposted by Ben Cecil
I truly believe that Regional Public Universities provide the best possible answer to questions about what value/ROI higher education provides society, which is why I co-wrote a @thirdwayedu.bsky.social brief about them.
New publication 🚨!
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
New publication 🚨!
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
Third Way
www.thirdway.org
March 12, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I truly believe that Regional Public Universities provide the best possible answer to questions about what value/ROI higher education provides society, which is why I co-wrote a @thirdwayedu.bsky.social brief about them.
New publication 🚨!
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
New publication 🚨!
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Great piece from @econroy.bsky.social ft. some insights from
@bencecil.bsky.social! Republican voters want more accountability across the board, including in higher education. Eliminating ED would make it harder to ensure students and taxpayers get a strong return on investment.
@bencecil.bsky.social! Republican voters want more accountability across the board, including in higher education. Eliminating ED would make it harder to ensure students and taxpayers get a strong return on investment.
I started writing this when we expected an exec order last week, but cutting half its staff will make it hard if not impossible for ED to fulfil its core functions.
Functions that most voters, including Republicans, say they favor.
#EduSky
www.forbes.com/sites/edward...
Functions that most voters, including Republicans, say they favor.
#EduSky
www.forbes.com/sites/edward...
Department Of Education To Lay Off 50% Of Staff. Polling Shows Voters Oppose Eliminating The Agency
The Trump administration is expected to fire half the staff at the Department of Education today, even as polling shows voters support the work of the federal agency.
www.forbes.com
March 12, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Great piece from @econroy.bsky.social ft. some insights from
@bencecil.bsky.social! Republican voters want more accountability across the board, including in higher education. Eliminating ED would make it harder to ensure students and taxpayers get a strong return on investment.
@bencecil.bsky.social! Republican voters want more accountability across the board, including in higher education. Eliminating ED would make it harder to ensure students and taxpayers get a strong return on investment.
It was a pleasure to work with @ceciliaorphan.bsky.social on this policy brief. Take a look to see how RPUs are delivering on the promise of higher education and policy recommendations to strengthen their impact on students and their communities.
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
Third Way
www.thirdway.org
March 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
It was a pleasure to work with @ceciliaorphan.bsky.social on this policy brief. Take a look to see how RPUs are delivering on the promise of higher education and policy recommendations to strengthen their impact on students and their communities.
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
www.thirdway.org/report/regio...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
🗣️ Republican voters still value higher ed, according to @ThirdWayEdu @BenCecil's latest poll:
📊87% want more accountability
💰83% support financial transparency
💳79% back continuing PSLF
🛡️71% say guardrails are needed to protect students
bit.ly/4kojZpB
📊87% want more accountability
💰83% support financial transparency
💳79% back continuing PSLF
🛡️71% say guardrails are needed to protect students
bit.ly/4kojZpB
March 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM
🗣️ Republican voters still value higher ed, according to @ThirdWayEdu @BenCecil's latest poll:
📊87% want more accountability
💰83% support financial transparency
💳79% back continuing PSLF
🛡️71% say guardrails are needed to protect students
bit.ly/4kojZpB
📊87% want more accountability
💰83% support financial transparency
💳79% back continuing PSLF
🛡️71% say guardrails are needed to protect students
bit.ly/4kojZpB
Reposted by Ben Cecil
OUT NOW! Our new poll shows that Republican voters want policymakers to strengthen many higher education programs and policies.
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
March 6, 2025 at 1:57 PM
OUT NOW! Our new poll shows that Republican voters want policymakers to strengthen many higher education programs and policies.
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
My latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social: Republicans haven't abandoned higher education, see the value of a degree, and like colleges and universities.
They broadly support many of Congress' targets for budget reconciliation like the Pell Grant and PSLF.
READ: thirdway.org/memo/what-do...
They broadly support many of Congress' targets for budget reconciliation like the Pell Grant and PSLF.
READ: thirdway.org/memo/what-do...
OUT NOW! Our new poll shows that Republican voters want policymakers to strengthen many higher education programs and policies.
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
87% of Republican voters think more accountability is needed in higher ed.
Read more ⬇️https://bit.ly/4kojZpB
March 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
My latest @thirdwayedu.bsky.social: Republicans haven't abandoned higher education, see the value of a degree, and like colleges and universities.
They broadly support many of Congress' targets for budget reconciliation like the Pell Grant and PSLF.
READ: thirdway.org/memo/what-do...
They broadly support many of Congress' targets for budget reconciliation like the Pell Grant and PSLF.
READ: thirdway.org/memo/what-do...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
New from me. DOGE staff have accessed sensitive Education Department data, almost certainly illegally. What are the repercussions? What kind of data does the ED Department collect? How does this relate to the administration's efforts to purge DEI? Read on: www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Get the Hell Out of DOGE: Elon Musk's Team Infiltrates Education Department Data
Staff with U.S. DOGE Service, charged with scrutinizing federal spending, has reportedly fed sensitive data into artificial intelligence software.
www.newamerica.org
February 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
New from me. DOGE staff have accessed sensitive Education Department data, almost certainly illegally. What are the repercussions? What kind of data does the ED Department collect? How does this relate to the administration's efforts to purge DEI? Read on: www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
What happens when there’s a Pell shortfall? Policymakers have to make tough choices—and so do students.
Pell Grant Funding 101
Today, nearly a third of undergraduate students receive a Pell Grant to help pay for college—the main source of federal support for low- to moderate-income c...
www.youtube.com
February 7, 2025 at 3:02 PM
What happens when there’s a Pell shortfall? Policymakers have to make tough choices—and so do students.
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Third Way open memo to 2028 Dem hopefuls in
@politico.com: Reject the Pledges
"We must never again let our candidates fall prey to the siren song of far-left groups who claim, without evidence, to speak for our coalition and offer a path to the nomination."
thirdway.org/memo/why-dem...
@politico.com: Reject the Pledges
"We must never again let our candidates fall prey to the siren song of far-left groups who claim, without evidence, to speak for our coalition and offer a path to the nomination."
thirdway.org/memo/why-dem...
January 31, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Third Way open memo to 2028 Dem hopefuls in
@politico.com: Reject the Pledges
"We must never again let our candidates fall prey to the siren song of far-left groups who claim, without evidence, to speak for our coalition and offer a path to the nomination."
thirdway.org/memo/why-dem...
@politico.com: Reject the Pledges
"We must never again let our candidates fall prey to the siren song of far-left groups who claim, without evidence, to speak for our coalition and offer a path to the nomination."
thirdway.org/memo/why-dem...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
New: The Biden administration warned colleges that companies that work with them to create online programs can’t represent themselves as part of the institution. Doing so could constitute misrepresentation and could lead to their financial aid access being revoked. www.newamerica.org/education-po...
The Education Department Acts on OPMs: Misleading Students About Online Degrees Could Cost Colleges Their Federal Aid
The U.S. Department of Education says online program managers cannot represent themselves as part of the college they are marketing.
www.newamerica.org
January 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
New: The Biden administration warned colleges that companies that work with them to create online programs can’t represent themselves as part of the institution. Doing so could constitute misrepresentation and could lead to their financial aid access being revoked. www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
This is my bi-annual reminder for any #highered faculty teaching higher Education policy this spring: I'm happy to come and chat about federal higher education policy, public opinion polling in higher education, or career pathways outside of the academy. Contact info in my bio!
January 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
This is my bi-annual reminder for any #highered faculty teaching higher Education policy this spring: I'm happy to come and chat about federal higher education policy, public opinion polling in higher education, or career pathways outside of the academy. Contact info in my bio!
Reposted by Ben Cecil
A wonderful outcome would be that this enormously consequential data error leads Congress to finally repeal the unit record data ban
To be clear the NSC data is absolutely invaluable
It is critical for research & policy
That’s exactly why a government statistical agency should be collecting it!
It is critical for research & policy
That’s exactly why a government statistical agency should be collecting it!
Instead a private sector company (NSC) collects and sells this data
researchers and state governments PAY this private sector company for data the government is banned from collecting
Such an incredible shitshow
researchers and state governments PAY this private sector company for data the government is banned from collecting
Such an incredible shitshow
January 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A wonderful outcome would be that this enormously consequential data error leads Congress to finally repeal the unit record data ban
This is my bi-annual reminder for any #highered faculty teaching higher Education policy this spring: I'm happy to come and chat about federal higher education policy, public opinion polling in higher education, or career pathways outside of the academy. Contact info in my bio!
January 10, 2025 at 4:40 PM
This is my bi-annual reminder for any #highered faculty teaching higher Education policy this spring: I'm happy to come and chat about federal higher education policy, public opinion polling in higher education, or career pathways outside of the academy. Contact info in my bio!
Another way to define the institutional argument? Delay, deny, defend. The article says it best: “It’s a delaying tactic that they hope is going to work in their favor. Even in the most perfect circumstance, the same arguments would be made.”
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Colleges ask for a third gainful employment extension
The leading lobbying group for colleges says the upcoming change in administration necessitates relief from the Jan. 15 due date. So far, the department isn’t budging.
www.insidehighered.com
December 18, 2024 at 1:51 PM
Another way to define the institutional argument? Delay, deny, defend. The article says it best: “It’s a delaying tactic that they hope is going to work in their favor. Even in the most perfect circumstance, the same arguments would be made.”
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Reposted by Ben Cecil
Excellent new report from @brookings.edu's Sarah Reber synthesizing evidence on what we know (and what we should do) supporting students to and through college. Check it out! www.brookings.edu/articles/sup...
Supporting students to and through college: What does the evidence say?
A comprehensive analysis of evidence from over two decades of research on interventions designed to increase college access and completion.
www.brookings.edu
December 11, 2024 at 4:22 PM
Excellent new report from @brookings.edu's Sarah Reber synthesizing evidence on what we know (and what we should do) supporting students to and through college. Check it out! www.brookings.edu/articles/sup...