Penn in the News

Abigail Anderson had it all figured: With multiple loans, a work-study job and scholarships, she could pay for Immaculata University for all four years. Not anymore. Anderson, a freshman majoring in fashion merchandising, found out recently that after this year she will lose her federal Perkins loan, which amounts to almost $2,000. "It changes everything," said the Magnolia, Del., native, who will have to look for other scholarships, or turn to her parents, whom she said can't afford it. "Every little amount counts. It all makes a difference."

Samuel Preston of the School of Arts & Sciences suggests that “something is awry in these American households” on the heels of a study revealing the rising death rate for middle-aged white Americans.

Adam Grant of the Wharton School is mentioned for suggesting assessment centers that could be used for colleges to gather comprehensive information about prospective students.

Vanessa Ogle of the School of Arts & Sciences is cited for her new book, The Global Transformation of Time: 1870-1950.

Graduate student Emily Shields of the Perelman School of Medicine and Rebecka Hess of the School of Veterinary Medicine are quoted about researching canine diabetes.

Mark Neuman and Rachel Werner of the Perelman School of Medicine are highlighted for studying how martial status is linked to better functional outcomes following cardiac surgery.

New websites and greater access to education-related financial data are taking some of the mystery out of college shopping. A growing number of websites sort colleges based on financial criteria, allowing students and families to compare schools on such factors as return on investment and graduates’ prospects for employment—key considerations at a time when four years of college can represent one of the biggest investments a family or an individual will ever make.

Advertising is all about promises — the bolder, the better. A new detergent with its super-enhanced formula will leave clothes cleaner and brighter than ever, changing the way you think about laundry. The new application system that more than 80 high-profile public and private colleges announced this fall delivered the same kind of dazzling pitch.

Mitchell Lazar of the Perelman School of Medicine explains the obesity paradox.

Peter Cappelli of the Wharton School is quoted about retailers giving managers bonuses based on keeping their labor budgets below a certain amount.