Conference Objectives

• Examine the political, policy, regulatory, and market forces shaping the future of postsecondary education and student finance.
• Evaluate emerging models for financing higher education and workforce development, with a particular focus on graduate and professional education.
• Explore how institutions, states and nonprofits, and policymakers are adapting to a changing higher education landscape, including enrollment challenges, demographic shifts, financial pressures, and evolving student needs.
• Build and strengthen relationships with leaders in the higher education finance industry through the exchange of ideas and information.

 Conference Schedule

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Breakfast

7:30 am - 8:45 am

Welcome Remarks

8:45 am - 9:00 am

Higher Education at a Crossroads: Rebuilding Public Confidence and Shaping the Future

9:00 am - 10:0 am

Higher education is navigating unprecedented challenges that are reshaping the landscape for colleges and universities. From demographic shifts and evolving public perceptions to affordability concerns and enrollment pressures, institutions are adapting to meet the needs of today's students while preparing for the future. Join a panel of higher education leaders for a discussion of how colleges are rethinking enrollment strategies, improving price transparency, leveraging institutional aid to expand access and affordability, and responding to the changing expectations of students, families, policymakers, and the public. Gain insights into the innovations and leadership strategies that are helping institutions strengthen public trust and position themselves for long-term success.

Coffee Break (Sponsored by BofA Securities )

10:00 am - 10:15 am

State Responses to a Changing Postsecondary Finance Landscape

10:15 am - 11:15 am

During the first months of Award Year 2026-2027, early lessons have emerged about the effects of federal student loan reforms. This session will cover how these changes have shifted the conversation about postsecondary value and affordability at the state level and how state leaders are responding to new federal borrowing limits. Panelists will discuss state policy trends, early loan program outcomes, and the evolving role of states in helping students and families finance postsecondary education.

The New Federal Approach to Postsecondary Success

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Interagency agreements have introduced a new model for collaboration across education, workforce development, and student aid. Join senior officials from the Departments of Education, Labor, and the Treasury for a discussion of these new partnerships, their respective roles, and the potential opportunities and challenges associated with greater federal coordination.

Luncheon

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Keynote: The 2026 Congressional Landscape: What the Voters Are Telling Us

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Veteran pollster Dave Sackett of The Tarrance Group will provide a data-driven look at the political environment heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Drawing on polling, voter research, and campaign insights from across the country, Sackett will discuss voter attitudes and the key factors shaping congressional races. Attendees will gain an insider's perspective on the state of play in Congress, the races most likely to determine control of the House and Senate, and the forces likely to influence the political landscape in the years ahead.

Keynote Speaker: Dave Sackett, Partner, The Tarrance Group

Capital Markets Update: Financing Student Lending After Grad Plus

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

The student loan capital markets continue to evolve in response to federal student loan reform and changes in the private loan marketplace. In this session, industry experts will review recent transactions, discuss investor appetite, assess developments in FFELP portfolio activity, and examine the outlook for financing graduate and professional student lending.

Snack Break

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Back to the Future: Lessons From Before Grad Plus

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Before Grad PLUS, private lenders were a primary source of financing for many graduate professional education programs. A diverse ecosystem of private loan programs existed, with options that were customized by degree type, and institutions played a significant role in helping students find these loans. In this session, industry veterans will examine the strengths, limitations, and lessons from that era to explore which ideas may help shape a more effective approach to graduate financing today and into the future.

The Evolving Credit Reporting Landscape

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

The credit reporting landscape continues to evolve with new industry guidance and changes to consumer reporting practices. This session will explore recent developments, including updates related to bankruptcy reporting and other changes affecting credit files, while providing an overview of how credit bureaus collect, manage, and share consumer data.

Networking Reception (Sponsored by Strada Education Foundation)

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

EFC Hosted Dinner

6:30 pm

Friday, September 18, 2026

Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Beyond Credit Scores: Exploring Alternative Approaches to Underwriting

9:00 am - 10:00 am

As new federal borrowing limits reshape the lending landscape, alternative approaches to repayment ability are taking on greater importance. This session will explore traditional credit indicators and whether alternative measures can capture borrower success and repayment outcomes.

Coffee Break (Sponsored by American Education Services )

10:00 am - 10:15 am

Congressional Staff Panel

10:15 am - 11:15 am

Join key congressional staff for a timely discussion on federal policy developments impacting postsecondary education and its financing. Attendees will gain insight into the priorities driving congressional action and what to expect from Capitol Hill in the months ahead.

The Evolving Legal Landscape for Higher Education

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

The legal landscape for higher education continues to evolve at both the federal and state levels. This session will cover significant pending and recently decided cases affecting the Department of Education and other federal agencies, including challenges related to student loan repayment, the definition of professional programs, and agency restructuring. The discussion will also examine emerging state regulatory requirements and disclosure laws.