Education

The New Federal Student Loan rules are bringing the most significant overhaul in decades, changing how much students and parents can borrow and restructuring repayment plans for millions of borrowers. This guide breaks down what’s changing, when it takes effect, and how to prepare for the new system.

The Education Department is recalling laid-off staff to tackle a 25,000-case civil rights backlog. Experts warn the move won’t fix long-term enforcement gaps.

New Mexico’s public colleges face about $102 million in losses from canceled or paused federal research. New Mexico Tech, New Mexico State, and New Mexico Highlands University carry the largest gaps as the state weighs fixes for 2026 and has far more campus repair requests than money on hand. Tribal colleges also face a proposed 88 percent cut to Bureau of Indian Education postsecondary funding and a long record of underfunding, with leaders warning some campuses could close if Congress approves the plan.

New Mexico has approved its first major update to high school graduation rules since 2009, set to take effect with the Class of 2029. Students will still need 24 credits, but Algebra II will no longer be mandatory, allowing more flexible math pathways. House Bill 171 also gives districts control over two elective credits to match local needs, while keeping core requirements in science and social studies, including personal financial literacy. Supporters say the changes will make learning more relevant and help prepare students for life after graduation.

The University of New Mexico has pledged a sweeping overhaul of its campus safety policies after the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in...