This Week In College And Money News: May 15, 2026

This week's stories show the federal student loan system entering the implementation phase. The 2026-27 student loan interest rates are official and one university's restructuring under state law has triggered a federal civil rights lawsuit. Meanwhile, a major cybersecurity incident hit thousands of schools during finals, and a major new study out of Texas confirms what families want to know: does college actually pay off?

Here's a quick look at the most important stories shaping higher education and student finances this week for May 15, 2026.

🎓 Headlines at a Glance

• Kentucky State University students sue to block a state-mandated overhaul of the public HBCU.
• Federal student loan interest rates are set to rise for the 2026-27 academic year.
• Canvas paid the ransom but 275 million users' data was already exposed.
• A new Texas study of nearly one million students confirms college pays off, but the program you pick matters more than the school.