The Under Secretary coordinates policies, programs, and activities related to Postsecondary Education (OPE), Career, Technical Education, Adult Education (OCTAE), The Office of the Chief Economist, and Federal Student Aid (FSA).
| Office of the Under Secretary (OUS) | |||
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) | Home Page | ||
| Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) | Home Page | ||
| Office of the Chief Economist | Home Page | ||
| Federal Student Aid (FSA) | Website | Home Page | |
Updates from the Under Secretary
Preventing Student Loan Default
January 15, 2025
In 2025, for the first time in five years, federal student loan borrowers will face penalties and other consequences for missed payments, including forced collection of defaulted loans. This memorandum summarizes the agency’s key initiatives to help borrowers claim loan forgiveness or other benefits for which they are eligible, make affordable loan payments, and avoid entering default. It is critical to continue the initiatives and fully implement the actions outlined in this memo, as the Department plans to resume default penalties and mandatory collections later this year, and FSA is directed to continue this work.
Dear Colleague Letter: Eligible Title IV Institutions Under the Higher Education Act
January 15, 2025
Simplifying the FAFSA® Form
January 15, 2025
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration releases its last FAFSA form update. For more than 30 years, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form has been critical to ensuring all students have access to higher education. One of the Biden-Harris Administration’s top priorities has been to make higher education more accessible and affordable for more students, and that started with improving the FAFSA system and form. As the Biden-Harris Administration comes to a close, it leaves behind an overhauled FAFSA system and a form that is easier and faster to complete than ever before. Despite initial challenges in the 2024–25 cycle, more people are now receiving federal aid during the current award year compared to last, and the 2025–26 form is working smoothly.
Expanding Free Community College to Develop America’s Workforce: Progress Over a Decade
November 13, 2024
In a blog released as a part of the joint White House-Department of Education Classroom to Career Summit, Under Secretary James Kvaal analyzed progress made to expand access to free community college over the past decade.
Early Data Indicate More Students are Poised to Receive Federal Financial Aid this Year
October 22, 2024
Under Secretary Kvaal Delivers Remarks on Fresh Start, Student Loan Reforms
August 9, 2022
Under Secretary James Kvaal delivered a keynote address to the Student Borrower Protection Center for their panel series on “Solutions to Address Student Loan Default and Collections.” Linked are his remarks as prepared for delivery.