Latest news with #collegedegree
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
University of Houston to allow prospective students to waive grades 5 years, older
The Brief The University of Houston is the first public university in Texas to implement the revised Academic Fresh Start law. Under the law, students applying or re-applying to Texas public universities can waive grades at least five years or older from consideration. Students must apply for the waiver when they are applying for admission and it can only be used once. Texas - The University of Houston will be implementing the revision to the Academic Fresh Start law, which allows students to waive grades five years old or more. This change will give students a better opportunity to pursue a college degree. What is the Academic Fresh Start Law? Under the Academic Fresh Start law, Texas residents who want to re-enroll in college courses can do so with a clearer record. Any courses taken five or more years before the term you're applying for can be waived and removed from consideration for admission. Once ignored, this coursework cannot be used to satisfy prerequisite or degree requirements at the University of Houston. UH implementing changes Students who choose to waive the coursework must do so at the time they apply for admission, and it can only be used once. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app What they're saying "Academic Fresh Start perfectly aligns with the University of Houston's mission to support student success and it also allows the University to broaden its reach and welcome even more Cougars who are determined to complete their degrees," said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "We are proud to be Texas' first university to offer countless students the fresh start they deserve, while supporting the higher education needs of our state." "I'm thrilled the University of Houston is leading the way on college access for Texans with the adoption of the new Academic Fresh Start policy we passed this session," said State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, a co-sponsor of the bill. "College doesn't have to be everyone's path, but the path should be open to everyone. More Texans will benefit from the opportunity to finish their academic journey as Cougars, going out fiercely into the workforce, earning more and contributing to the Texas Miracle." The Source The University of Houston. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How AI Can Help The Credit System Handle The Student Debt Crisis
Mike de Vere is CEO of Zest AI. Despite recent headlines, taking out a student loan can sometimes be a good thing. Here's one reason why: For many Americans, taking out a student loan is a rite of passage toward becoming credit-visible. There are no cosigners or credit history required, and they have fixed interest rates with a repayment grace period after graduation. This is a building block for building credit and ideally also produces a meaningful result: getting a college degree. In many cases, the rate of return on a college education remains considerable: Income tends to increase with education, and a college degree is increasingly required to start a career and, in turn, afford a middle-class lifestyle. However, many Americans find themselves swimming in endless student debt. Collectively, Americans owe $1.6 trillion in student loans. And with recent policy changes surrounding repayment plans and student debt forgiveness, we're now seeing the negative financial effects cascading down. Recent student loan delinquencies have led 2.2 million Americans to see their credit score fall by 100 points, and over 1 million saw theirs fall by 150-plus points. Many previously had scores above 620, meaning that for at least a while they've been locked out of a once-accessible credit system. What's more, borrowers are punished (if only temporarily) when they ultimately repay the loan. Even a temporary drop in credit can have negative consequences—it may mean higher interest rates for auto or mortgage loans or even delaying these kinds of major purchases. The Credit Scoring Gap In Student Loan Borrowing Lenders who rely only on traditional scoring models are left with a problem—a costly blind spot due to the traditional credit system's misalignment with student debt realities. Student loans are designed to help people build a better financial future by enabling higher education and by helping them become credit-visible. However, the same loans can end up hurting their creditworthiness, especially under recent repayment and forgiveness policy shifts. This system penalizes borrowers through credit score declines even when they are trying to repay, creating a feedback loop of financial exclusion. Based on the traditional demographics of college attendees, this disproportionately affects younger and lower-income individuals—those who were supposed to benefit from the promise of upward mobility via education. When financial institutions are unable to capture a full picture of each loan applicant, they're unable to see if, for example, a student loan default is an exception for an otherwise great borrower or part of a pattern of missed payments. Let's say an American went to college to become a teacher. He went to a state university, got his teaching credentials and chose an income-based repayment plan that allowed him to accept a lower salary as a teacher but still diligently pay down his debt. When that income-based repayment plan was rescinded, he was no longer able to pay the monthly cost and found himself delinquent. He's still a good financial bet—he had been actively paying a loan down until an unexpected circumstance caused delinquency. But his traditional credit score wouldn't reflect these nuances. When Main Street financial institutions miss these types of borrowers, they're not just denying someone credit—they're missing profitable opportunities. The demand for credit doesn't disappear; it shifts to payday lenders and challenger banks using more sophisticated scoring methods. This exodus of good financial bets costs community-based lenders their market share while simultaneously pushing financially capable Americans toward higher-cost alternatives. AI: More Data Paints A Fuller Picture Despite relying heavily on credit scores for lending, financial institutions still have a ton of data at their disposal within an individual's credit report. While a traditional credit score may only use a handful of variables, artificial intelligence (AI)-automated underwriting can look at hundreds, making stronger associations between them and looking further back into someone's credit report. Take financial institutions like Commonwealth Credit Union, one of my company's clients, that are using AI to help make their lending faster, more accessible and data-driven. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach to lending, their lending team uses AI to take a high-definition look at each individual member's financial history. For instance, one member faced reduced working hours and yet was immediately approved for a $6,000 loan to bridge the gap, thanks to Commonwealth's ability to harness more data. It all boils down to lenders' ability to answer this question: Are these student debt defaults part of a larger pattern of debt, or is it part of an unexpected balance surge? AI can help answer that. Now, the teacher who eventually pays off his loans suddenly doesn't seem like a bad financial bet, since AI can detect that he consistently paid off his loans over a long period of time. When lenders have technology weighing hundreds of variables instead of 10 to 15, a change in just one variable (such as the number of credit lines) doesn't make such a big splash. Instead, it's connected to a wider web of variables, all weighing credit risk and building a case for the borrower. When technology evolves, so does lending. Whether it's the student debt crisis, tariffs or a possible recession, there's always going to be an unfolding challenge that lenders must address. The financial institutions that can steer the course and thrive in these climates are those that can be agile, leverage data and technology, and move beyond outdated scoring methods. They say 'that's the way we've always done it' is the most dangerous phrase in business. The same is true for lending; tomorrow's industry standards won't come from today's playbook. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These top 5 college degrees make young Americans the most money — earning some 326% returns after just 5 years
The value of a college degree is a hot topic right now, but many people overlook a key detail: the field of study. Graduates who majored in social sciences, foreign languages or performing arts face weaker job prospects and lower earning potential after leaving college, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Meanwhile, students who pick up skills in fast-growing, high-paying industries can recoup their investment in just a few years. Student Choice analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate the return on investment (ROI) for various fields. The findings show that some degrees can pay back as much as 326.6% of the total cost of their degree within five years of graduation. Here are the top five degrees that offer the best bang for your tuition buck. Engineering faces a severe and growing talent shortage, according to analysis by BCG. In 2023 alone, one-third of newly created engineering roles went unfilled due to a lack of qualified graduates. That shortage is expected to continue. BCG estimates engineering jobs could grow another 13% between 2023 and 2031. This high demand helps explain why engineers command strong salaries and deliver a whopping 326.6% return on investment within five years of earning their degree. Despite fears that AI might replace coders and developers, the rise of new technologies is actually driving up demand for skilled talent. A 2025 survey from staffing firm Robert Half found that 87% of technology leaders struggle to hire qualified professionals, while 76% reported a skills gap in their own departments. In-demand specialties include AI, automation, cybersecurity, and cloud operations. A graduate in computer science or IT can expect to earn back 310.3% of their education costs within five years, according to Student Choice. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. There's a global shortage of nurses. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) estimates the current shortfall at 5.9 million nurses and warns that aging populations and underfunded health systems could make it worse. As a result, nursing has become a lucrative career choice. Graduates can expect to see a 280.9% return on their investment within five years of entering the workforce. The accounting profession is graying. According to the CPA Journal, the average age of an accounting firm partner is between 52 and 53. At the same time, the pipeline of new talent is shrinking. From 2017 to 2022, the number of accounting graduates dropped by 11%, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In other words, fewer accountants are entering the field, which makes the job both rarer and more valuable. New graduates can expect a 261.3% return on their degree within five years. Job opportunities for biochemists and biophysicists are projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's more than double the average job growth rate of 4% across all occupations. That strong demand translates to solid earnings potential. Recent graduates can recoup 248.2% of their college investment within five years, according to Student Choice. If you're looking for a degree with robust job security and solid financial returns, these five fields are worth serious consideration. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These top 5 college degrees make young Americans the most money — earning some 326% returns after just 5 years
The value of a college degree is a hot topic right now, but many people overlook a key detail: the field of study. Graduates who majored in social sciences, foreign languages or performing arts face weaker job prospects and lower earning potential after leaving college, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Meanwhile, students who pick up skills in fast-growing, high-paying industries can recoup their investment in just a few years. Student Choice analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate the return on investment (ROI) for various fields. The findings show that some degrees can pay back as much as 326.6% of the total cost of their degree within five years of graduation. Here are the top five degrees that offer the best bang for your tuition buck. Engineering faces a severe and growing talent shortage, according to analysis by BCG. In 2023 alone, one-third of newly created engineering roles went unfilled due to a lack of qualified graduates. That shortage is expected to continue. BCG estimates engineering jobs could grow another 13% between 2023 and 2031. This high demand helps explain why engineers command strong salaries and deliver a whopping 326.6% return on investment within five years of earning their degree. Despite fears that AI might replace coders and developers, the rise of new technologies is actually driving up demand for skilled talent. A 2025 survey from staffing firm Robert Half found that 87% of technology leaders struggle to hire qualified professionals, while 76% reported a skills gap in their own departments. In-demand specialties include AI, automation, cybersecurity, and cloud operations. A graduate in computer science or IT can expect to earn back 310.3% of their education costs within five years, according to Student Choice. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. There's a global shortage of nurses. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) estimates the current shortfall at 5.9 million nurses and warns that aging populations and underfunded health systems could make it worse. As a result, nursing has become a lucrative career choice. Graduates can expect to see a 280.9% return on their investment within five years of entering the workforce. The accounting profession is graying. According to the CPA Journal, the average age of an accounting firm partner is between 52 and 53. At the same time, the pipeline of new talent is shrinking. From 2017 to 2022, the number of accounting graduates dropped by 11%, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In other words, fewer accountants are entering the field, which makes the job both rarer and more valuable. New graduates can expect a 261.3% return on their degree within five years. Job opportunities for biochemists and biophysicists are projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's more than double the average job growth rate of 4% across all occupations. That strong demand translates to solid earnings potential. Recent graduates can recoup 248.2% of their college investment within five years, according to Student Choice. If you're looking for a degree with robust job security and solid financial returns, these five fields are worth serious consideration. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
