Publications

Chock full of provocative data, analysis, and lessons from the field, our publications aim to get to the core of closing gaps in opportunity and achievement. By exploring practices and policies that work and identifying those that don’t, we aim to provide the information and tools necessary to advance educational justice.

Our publications are intended for educators, advocates, lawmakers, and  parents. Use the links below to sort by issue areas or the search bar to explore topics you don’t see here.


The Education Trust invites the use of its publications and presentations. For limited personal and noncommercial uses, you are free to download our materials and share them with others as long as the materials are not altered in any way and are properly attributed to The Education Trust and, if applicable, a particular author. For these purposes, noncommercial means not primarily intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For commercial and other uses, such as including materials in course packets or reprinting materials or excerpts in textbooks, you must obtain written permission. Read more about our policy. 

  • Parent PLUS Loans Are a Double-Edged Sword for Black Borrowers

    Approximately 43 million Americans collectively owe $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, but students aren’t the only ones drowning in student debt. Inc…

  • A Promise Worth Keeping

    Free college programs have been around for some time, but they have proliferated in recent years, prompted by rising college costs, mounting student debt, and …