A New Era for Higher Education?

The article explores how the results of the 2006 midterm elections in the U.S. will impact colleges and universities throughout the country. As the Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January 2007, they have developed an agenda that includes plans to increase spending on need-based aid and lower interest rates on student loans. It is reported that the election also renewed the national debate over affirmative action and impacted President George W. Bush's decision to install Texas A&M University president Robert M. Gates as secretary of defense. speculations are made about the possibility for several other changes that will influence higher education in the U.S.