Latest news with #TitleIV
CNBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
SoFi Student Loans: 2025 Review
If you're looking to take out a student loan you probably just have the basics in mind — good rates, manageable terms and a clear path to repayment. While many lenders check those boxes, some go a step further. SoFi, one of the biggest names in the private student loan space, offers more than just funding. From career coaching to financial planning tools and member perks, SoFi is designed to support borrowers well beyond the classroom. Let's break it down. 3.23% to 15.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount (Undergraduate New Loan). Other rates and loan types are available. Visit SoFi's website for full details. Undergraduate, graduate, parent loans, law school, MBA and health professions loans $5,000 (or state-mandated minimum) up to the cost of attendance 5, 7, 10, 15 years; refinancing loans up to 20 years No Yes - click here for details Yes - click here for details Terms in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent and graduate students, parents, health professionals$5,000 minimum (or up to state); maximum up to cost of attendance5, 7, 10, 15, years; up to 20 years for refinancing loans Terms applyUndergraduate and graduate students, parents, international students with U.S. co-signer$1,000 up to the cost of attendance ($180,000 lifelong maximum)5, 8, 10, 15 years for undergraduate loans, up to 20 years for graduate loans Terms apply SoFi offers private student loans for undergraduate, graduate, law, MBA and parent borrowers. These loans are designed to help cover educational expenses not met by scholarships, grants or federal student aid. SoFi also offers student loan refinancing for those looking to consolidate and potentially lower their existing loan payments. To qualify for a SoFi student loan, you must meet several eligibility criteria related to your enrollment status, credit history and U.S. residency. You'll also need to apply with the necessary documentation, such as proof of income, ID and school certification. SoFi required you to be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible Title IV school. SoFi loans are not available for non-degree or certificate programs. You also need to have good to excellent credit, typically a minimum FICO score of 650 to 680, though having a co-signer can improve approval odds and interest rates. SoFi performs a soft credit check for prequalification, so checking rates won't affect your score. SoFi offers competitive rates with no hidden fees. Their loans are often best suited for borrowers with strong credit or access to a creditworthy co-signer. SoFi offers fixed rates starting at around 3.23% to 15.99% APR, and variable rates starting at around 4.39% to 15.99% APR. Exact rates vary by creditworthiness, loan term and whether you sign up for autopay. SoFi offers both fixed and variable rate student loans with terms ranging from five to 20 years. SoFi charges no origination fees, prepayment penalties or late fees. Borrowers can take out up to the full cost of attendance, as certified by the school, minus any other financial aid received. SoFi offers several repayment plans: SoFi goes beyond traditional student lending and offers a range of perks, such as: Like any private lender, SoFi has its strengths and trade-offs SoFi offers a 7-day-a-week customer support via phone, email or live chat. It also has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), highlighting its intuitive online platform. To apply for a SoFi loan, you'll first have to get prequalified with a soft credit check. From there, you'll: While SoFi offers flexible terms and valuable perks, many of the same benefits can also be found with Earnest, which provides a wide range of loan terms and amounts — from $1,000 up to the full cost of attendance, or $5,000 to $550,000 for student loan refinancing. Earnest also offers a nine-month grace period, which is three more months than what most lenders offer before repayment begins. Undergraduate and graduate students, parents, half-time students, international and DACA students Undergraduate, graduate loans, parent loans, MBA, medical school, law school, international and DACA student loans $1,000 up to the cost of attendance for new loans, $5,000 to $550,000 for refinance loans 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 years Nine-month grace period available No Yes - click here for details Terms you're looking to apply without a co-signer, Ascent is another strong option. It offers loans to borrowers without established credit or a co-signer by evaluating alternative factors such as your school, program, expected graduation date, major, GPA, cost of attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress. 3.09% to 15.61% APR with autopay discount (undergraduate new loan). Other rates and loan types are available. Visit Ascent's website for full details. Undergraduate and graduate loans, MBA, medical school, dental school, law school, doctorate and Master's, health professional loans. $2,001 up to $200,000 for undergraduate loans and $400,000 for graduate loans 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 years Deferment and forbearance options available For DACA recipients and non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents No Terms apply. Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here. At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every student loan review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of student loan products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Miami Herald
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade schools superintendent presses lawmakers for $35M in frozen funds
The superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools has four weeks to figure out what to do about a $35 million shortfall in the district's budget due to federal grants that are frozen by the Trump administration. Superintendent Jose Dotres told board members at a school board committee meeting Wednesday that he plans to increase his visibility and advocacy — both in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. — to ensure Miami-Dade gets what it's due. He also noted that he has cut some expenses going into the school year in response to the funding freeze. 'We are headed into a different footprint of advocacy,' Dotres told board members during the meeting. 'I see myself now more involved as it relates to federal funding, being able to educate, articulate and inform senators at the federal level in terms of how these funds are used and what the implications are if they were to be reduced,' said Dotres. Dotres just returned from a trip to D.C., where he met with Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) to discuss funding for his district. He told the Miami Herald in an interview that he tried to convey to the senator how the funds are used to create innovative magnet programs and other specialized programs in the district, which make public schools 'competitive' in a landscape of 'school choice.' Wednesday's school board committee meeting was an urgent conversation about how the district will prepare for the possibility the federal government may not release the frozen funds which include grants for migrant education, teacher training, help for English language learners, and academic supports for science, technology and more. 'Those dollars, we use them to innovate, provide robotics programs, advanced career technical education courses, and cybersecurity,' said Dotres in an interview with the Miami Herald. Specific programs funded by the grants currently frozen include after-school tutoring by certified teachers, bilingual instruction, technology access, swim safety lessons, and training for new teachers. More than 70 percent of new teachers require additional education, according to the superintendent. Pray for the best, but be ready for the worst School board member Luisa Santos said that the federal funding cuts will reverberate throughout the district. 'Just between Title III and Title IV, a large portion would feel the effect of these dollars not being there,' she said. There are over 83,000 students learning English in the district. Read more: Miami-Dade schools to lose millions after federal grant cancellations During Wednesday's committee meeting, board members pressed Dotres for details on planning for the worst-case scenario. 'We pray for the best, but we have to be mindful of what potential Armageddon could come,' said board member Steve Gallon. The state of Florida has advised the school district to proceed as normal, and the chief financial officer said he is operating under the assumption that the funds will be released. Santos asked how the district is preparing if the money remains frozen or is redirected to states as block grants, which would give Florida discretion over how (or whether) to target the same areas the grants were meant to fund. Ahead of the start of school on August 14, the superintendent said he has already gone through the budget line by line to find expenditures he can reduce, such as holding off on purchasing textbooks and other school supplies, pausing travel funds for teachers to attend conferences and pausing spending on anything not related to a 'direct service,' like teacher salaries. 'We have been doing a reduction,' said Dotres, noting that open positions are currently not being filled. Teacher training programs will also be delayed until the funding is sorted. 'We are holding some professional development at the earliest stages and holding it for later on in the school year,' said Dotres. Dotres said he would find alternative sources to fund salaries of the migrant education program, but that other spending like supplies for the program are paused for the time being. Santos asked if the district has looked at how other large school systems are preparing and whether additional legal or policy steps could help Miami-Dade. Walter Harvey, the general counsel for the district, noted that 24 states and Washington, D.C., have filed a federal lawsuit demanding the release of these funds. Florida is not a party to the suit, and thus may not receive payouts if the lawsuit is settled. School board member Roberto Alonso and Dotres said that instead of legal battles, it is a better strategy to continue advocating for the district with lawmakers. 'I advocate for our school district at the source,' Dotres told the Herald when asked about the lawsuit. Gallon noted that many of the federal grants that are currently frozen were established on the heels of important lawsuits. The Title III program, for example, which allows students learning English to get extra help, was built upon a 1974 civil rights case that declared that schools have a legal duty to provide instruction and help to non-English learners. But Florida has chosen not to be a part of that legal precedent when it comes to the release of federal funds to the states. Instead, the district is talking to elected officials, trimming the budget where they can and hoping for the best. 'We are awaiting the review, and we are hopeful that the funds will be there,' said Dotres. Federal grants to Miami-Dade currently on hold Title I, Part C – Migrant Education: $1,376,878 Title II, Part A –Teacher training: $14,141,336 Title III, Part A – Help for English language learners: $10,622,058 Title IV, Part A – Academic supports (Robotics, STEAM, Technology): $9,820,392 Total: $35,960,664 Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, programs for at-risk students and their families, has now been released.
NBC News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
U.S. threatens California with legal action over transgender sports law
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Monday threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports as demanded by President Donald Trump's administration. '@CAgovernor, you'll be hearing from @AGPamBondi,' McMahon wrote, using the handles for California Governor Newsom and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. McMahon's statement on X was the latest salvo in the culture wars over transgender youth and ratchets up the personal rivalry between Trump and Newsom. Trump has made reversing advances in transgender rights a priority since returning to office on January 20, while California law has allowed student-athletes to participate in sports in alignment with their gender identity since 2013. The Justice Department declined to comment and the Education Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for clarification on the meaning of McMahon's comment. California's state Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Newsom's office and the California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body for high school sports, declined to comment. The U.S. Education Department issued a statement in June declaring California in violation of the Trump administration's interpretation of Title IV, the education law banning sex-based discrimination, and demanding the state alter its state rejected the federal government's directive, and in June filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department in anticipation of legal action. With controversy brewing ahead of the state high school track and field championship in June, the CIF allowed girls displaced from the finals by a transgender athlete to also be granted space to compete. The CIF also allowed girls to appear on the winners' podium if they would have won a medal without a transgender athlete competing. As a result, the CIF crowned two champions in the girls' high jump and triple jump after transgender girl AB Hernandez won both events.
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US threatens California with legal action over transgender sports law
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox US Education Secretary Linda McMahon threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. WASHINGTON - US Education Secretary Linda McMahon on July 7 threatened the state of California with legal action after the state refused to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports as demanded by President Donald Trump's administration. '@CAgovernor, you'll be hearing from @AGPamBondi,' Mrs McMahon wrote, using the handles for California Governor Gavin Newsom and US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Mrs McMahon's statement on X was the latest salvo in the culture wars over transgender youth and ratchets up the personal rivalry between Mr Trump and Mr Newsom. Mr Trump has made reversing advances in transgender rights a priority since returning to office on Jan 20, while California law has allowed student-athletes to participate in sports in alignment with their gender identity since 2013. The Justice Department declined to comment and the Education Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for clarification on the meaning of Mrs McMahon's comment. California's state Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Newsom's office and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for high school sports, declined to comment. The US Education Department issued a statement in June declaring California in violation of the Trump administration's interpretation of Title IV, the education law banning sex-based discrimination, and demanding the state alter its policy. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25 per cent for Malaysia, 36 for Thailand, 40 for Laos: Trump delivers tariff letters to Asian partners Business US stocks knocked lower by tariff jitters; Musk's political plan hits Tesla Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Singapore's second mufti Sheikh Syed Isa Semait dies at age 87 Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Competition watchdog gives SIA, Malaysia Airlines conditional approval to continue cooperation Singapore About 20 delivery riders meet Pritam Singh to discuss platform worker issues The state rejected the federal government's directive, and in June filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the US Justice Department in anticipation of legal action. With controversy brewing ahead of the state high school track and field championship in June, the CIF allowed girls displaced from the finals by a transgender athlete to also be granted space to compete. The CIF also allowed girls to appear on the winners' podium if they would have won a medal without a transgender athlete competing. As a result, the CIF crowned two champions in the girls' high jump and triple jump after transgender girl AB Hernandez won both events. REUTERS
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants during the Trump administration's funding review?
What led to the $25 million freeze in Maine student grants? Maine schools are facing delays in accessing nearly $25 million in federal education grants, following a nationwide review launched by the Trump administration. The funding pause is part of a broader reassessment of how billions in federal education dollars are distributed across states, with the administration signaling a closer alignment with its policy agenda. The affected grants support a range of student-centered initiatives, including after-school programs, language instruction for English learners, professional development for teachers, and adult education services. While technically available for obligation starting July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, these funds remain on hold as the US Department of Education reevaluates multiple programs. Wider review halts education funding nationwide The pause in Maine is part of a broader review involving more than $6 billion in education funding nationwide. The administration has indicated that the purpose of the review is to ensure all spending is consistent with federal law and current presidential priorities. In practice, however, the freeze has interrupted normal budget cycles for schools that rely on annual allocations to plan staffing, curriculum, and enrichment activities. For Maine, the $25 million in limbo reflects the state's projected allocation for fiscal year 2025. Districts had begun budgeting for the year assuming the grants would be available on time, but the hold now forces them to either delay key programs or shift resources from other areas. Student learning and teacher support programs affected Among the specific programs impacted are Title I, Part C, which funds education for migratory children, and Title III, which supports English learners and immigrant students. Title II funding—used for recruiting and training high-quality teachers—and Title IV programs that enable academic enrichment and summer learning are also part of the freeze. Additionally, adult education grants to states are included in the review. This funding supports both core instruction and supplemental services in many Maine communities. The freeze raises immediate concerns about the continuity of services for vulnerable student populations, particularly in districts with high numbers of multilingual learners or students needing academic support outside regular school hours. Uncertainty ahead as schools wait for clarity While the Department of Education has not provided a specific timeline for completing the review, districts have been advised to proceed cautiously with their planning. The Maine Department of Education has already notified school systems of the pause and flagged the potential impact to the state's congressional delegation. For now, the funding remains in administrative limbo. Without additional clarity, schools may face difficult decisions about which programs to delay or scale back in the coming months. The broader review reflects a shift in how the federal government is approaching education funding under the Trump administration. But for school officials in Maine, the more urgent question remains: when will the funds that support their students actually arrive? Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
