New England Colleges To Talk Affordable Education

BOSTON (AP) — A senior federal official is set to join New England education leader in Boston to discuss creative ways to make college affordable and accessible.

U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Education Jamie Studley will discuss President Barack Obama's recent proposals targeting the soaring costs of higher education when he addresses the Leadership Summit on Cost in Higher Education.

Obama wants to offer larger grants and more affordable loans to students attending highly rated schools under a new college rating system. He also seeks legislation to give colleges a "bonus" based on the number of students they graduate who received Pell Grants. Obama also wants to require colleges with high dropout rates to distribute student aid over the course of the semester rather than in a lump sum.

The Leadership Summit on Cost in Higher Education is scheduled for Monday.

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