Giving Compass' Take:

· Hallie Busta at Education Dive talks with Marni Baker Stein about the growing tension between traditional postsecondary education and the rise of online education options and how it could contribute to inequity. 

· What has caused the rising tension between traditional college routes and education options? How has the future of postsecondary education changed with technology and student needs? How can donors support the development of programs to foster the individual learning of different students? 

· Check out this article about online learning and how it helps cater to personalized education. 

News earlier this year that Western Governors University would not have to pay back $713 million in Title IV funds was seen as a vote of confidence for alternative instructional models in higher education.

While a 2017 audit by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General found the nonprofit online college's competency-based education (CBE) model didn't square with current rules for online learning, a subsequent review by its Federal Student Aid office cited new guidance and "a reasonable and good faith effort" by the college to abide by it as a reason to drop the penalty. The OIG signed off on the move.

But that such a massive fine was handed down at all was an indicator of philosophical differences within higher ed on what the future of postsecondary instruction should be, particularly where online learning is concerned.

The industry is working out those differences now in a negotiated rulemaking session, though some observers fear they won't reach consensus. In the meantime, colleges and universities are continuing to expand online in response to demand for a wider variety of credentials that are more accessible to the coveted market of working adults.

Read the full article about postsecondary education by Hallie Busta at Education Dive.