College affordability took center stage this week as states, universities, and federal agencies rolled out changes that could reshape how students pay for school — or what happens if they fall behind.
From new tuition-free pathways and expanded dual enrollment to the return of aggressive student-loan collections and looming forgiveness deadlines, these developments carry real consequences for families planning the next few years.
Here’s a quick look at the most important stories shaping higher education and student finances this week for January 16, 2026.
🎓 Headlines at a Glance
- A major Texas university launches a tuition-free program for middle-income families.
- Connecticut expands dual enrollment and career pathways to cut college costs earlier.
- Federal wage garnishment for defaulted student loans returns in 2026.
- Some student loan borrowers face key deadlines to protect eligibility for student loan forgiveness.
University of North Texas
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1. University of North Texas Launches Tuition-Free Program
The University of North Texas announced a new initiative that will cover full tuition and mandatory fees for incoming freshmen from Texas families earning $100,000 or less, starting in fall 2026. The program applies to first-time students who graduate from a Texas high school and either qualify for Pell Grants or rank in the top quarter of their graduating class.
Eligible students are automatically considered once they are admitted and complete the FAFSA by the school’s deadline. This adds to the growing list of tuition-free colleges.
➡️ Impact: Tuition-free guarantees are expanding beyond low-income thresholds. For middle-income families squeezed by rising costs but ineligible for large financial aid packages, programs like this can significantly reduce borrowing.
2. Connecticut Expands Dual Enrollment and Career Pathway Programs
Connecticut officials unveiled a statewide effort to expand dual enrollment, early college credit, and career-connected learning for high school students. The initiative aims to let more students graduate with college credits already completed or credentials aligned with local workforce needs.
State leaders say the focus is on reducing time to degree while giving students earlier exposure to post-secondary options — whether college, training, or a combination of both.
➡️ Impact: Dual enrollment remains one of the most effective tools for lowering total college costs. Every credit earned in high school is one less paid for later, often at much higher tuition rates.
3. Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Student Loans Returns in 2026
Federal student loan collections have officially resumed. The U.S. Department of Education will resume wage garnishment for borrowers in default — defined as loans more than 270 days past due.
Under federal law, up to 15% of disposable wages can be withheld after a required notice period. Borrowers can avoid garnishment by entering student loan rehabilitation, consolidating their loans, or enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan before garnishment begins.
➡️ Impact: Garnishment reduces take-home pay immediately and can compound financial stress. Borrowers in default still have options, but the window to act is shrinking.
4. Key Deadlines Loom for Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Some borrowers who are pursuing student loan forgiveness under income-driven repayment plans face important deadlines in 2026, with some actions needing to be completed by March to preserve eligibility or avoid losing progress.
If you have Parent PLUS Loans, here is the timeline you need to take actions if you want to preserve access to loan forgiveness programs.
➡️ Impact: Forgiveness isn’t automatic. Staying eligible often requires timely paperwork, plan changes, or consolidation — especially as federal rules continue to shift.
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Editor: Colin Graves
Robert Farrington is the founder of The College Investor and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices on student loan debt and saving for college. He holds an MBA from UC San Diego Rady School of Management and has spent over 15 years researching, writing, and advising on student loans, 529 plans, financial aid programs, and saving and investing for young professionals.
Robert has been featured in the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NBC News, and Forbes, where he has been a regular personal finance contributor for over a decade. His work combines both professional expertise and personal experience – he successfully navigated his own student loan repayment journey and has helped thousands of readers do the same.
He is committed to making the intersection of personal finance and education transparent and accessible. You can learn more about Robert on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.