This Week In College And Money News: May 22, 2026

This week was a study in contradictions out of Washington. The Department of Education quietly hired hundreds of new staff at Federal Student Aid even as the administration continues to publicly dismantle the agency. Twenty-five states sued ED over the new graduate loan caps just six weeks before they take effect. The Workforce Pell rule was finalized. And the Class of 2026 quietly set an all-time FAFSA completion record while no one was watching.

Here's a quick look at the most important stories shaping higher education and student finances this week for May 22, 2026.

🎓 Headlines at a Glance

• The Department of Education is hiring hundreds of new Federal Student Aid staff while continuing to publicly dismantle the agency.
• 25 states sue ED to block the new $100,000 graduate student loan caps.
• ED finalizes Workforce Pell, expanding Pell Grants to 8-week training programs.
• The Class of 2026 sets an all-time FAFSA completion record.
• Florida and Illinois bring the total to 18 states with Ed-Flex authority.