The Century Foundation

The Century Foundation Confronting the true drivers of America's affordability crisis. Advancing bold solutions to lower costs. Policy for people—not powerful interests.

For over 100 years, TCF has been on the forefront of positive change in some of the most critical areas of domestic and foreign policy, including the promotion of equality of educational opportunity, the strengthening of economic security, the protection of workers and consumers, the empowerment of voters, and the fostering of international peace and security. TCF is based in New York, with a sate

llite office in Washington, D.C. Our fellows come from academia, journalism, and public service, but share a commitment to the Foundation’s abiding belief in the power of ideas. Learn more about our work at https://tcf.org

Payday loans can trap people in cycles of debt. People with disabilities are especially vulnerable: an estimated 1.8 mil...
08/05/2026

Payday loans can trap people in cycles of debt. People with disabilities are especially vulnerable: an estimated 1.8 million SSI recipients likely use payday loans, with lenders taking roughly $662 million every year from the disability community.

In a new commentary, TCF, the Center for Responsible Lending, and the Julian Bond Institute explain why payday lending is a disability justice issue and why policymakers need stronger protections against predatory lenders.

Read the full commentary:
https://tcf.org/content/commentary/no-ramp-out-the-payday-loan-hole-of-the-disability-community/

As federal student loan rules shift, students are being forced to navigate uncertainty in real time.TCF's Peter Granvill...
08/03/2026

As federal student loan rules shift, students are being forced to navigate uncertainty in real time.

TCF's Peter Granville spoke with U.S. News and World Report about what's at stake for graduate borrowers after the Education Department’s decisions to cap borrowing limits:

For now, more graduate degrees qualify for higher federal borrowing caps. Students and colleges must decide if it's worth the risk.

07/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Robert P. Huff Golden Quill Award winner, Peter Granville, Fellow at The Century Foundation.

Peter Granville is recognized for his report "A Better Hundred Billion: Improving State and Institutional College Financial Aid” (The Century Foundation, 2025), which provides a rigorous analysis of state and institutional grant aid distribution relative to financial need and institutional selectivity.

His work exemplifies excellence in financial aid scholarship with a clear impact on policy and practice.

07/31/2026

As utilities expand the grid to meet soaring demand from AI data centers, too many families are having to foot the bill.

TCF President Julie Morgan joined NPR's Here and Now to discuss what's driving higher utility costs—and why policymakers need to protect consumers.

Care is expensive, and it shouldn't be. In 41 states + D.C., child care for two kids costs more than rent or a mortgage....
07/30/2026

Care is expensive, and it shouldn't be. In 41 states + D.C., child care for two kids costs more than rent or a mortgage. Over 600,000 people are on waiting lists just to get home care support. And right now, 29 states are getting an F on care overall.

But there's good news too: states like New York, Oregon, and Virginia are proving that real investment in child care, paid leave, and care workers actually works. The problem is federal cuts are working against that progress, right when families need support the most.

Everyone deserves care they can afford, no matter what state they live in. Read our 2026 Care Report Card with Caring Across Generations to see how your state scored: go.tcf.org/CareReport26

From notebooks to lunchboxes, families are paying more for their school supply list this year—and many expect to go into...
07/29/2026

From notebooks to lunchboxes, families are paying more for their school supply list this year—and many expect to go into debt just to get their kids ready for the semester.

TCF President Julie Morgan explains why parents are being squeezed in The 19th News:

From lunchboxes to No. 2 pencils, the prices are skyrocketing. Here's how much.

The return of student loan payments—after the pandemic-era student loan pause—is now colliding with record credit card d...
07/28/2026

The return of student loan payments—after the pandemic-era student loan pause—is now colliding with record credit card debt and rising costs.

TCF President Julie Margetta Morgan spoke with Washington Post about what that means for borrowers already struggling to make ends meet:

In many cases, people appear to have used the breathing room to take on other forms of debt.

07/23/2026

Energy costs are rising, and families are feeling the squeeze.

On NPR's Here & Now, TCF President Julie Morgan explains how Trump's policies, including tariffs and cuts to energy assistance programs like LIHEAP, are driving up costs and creating uncertainty for households.

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