Michael Itzkowitz

Founder and President of @HEAGroup. Former Director of the College Scorecard @usedgov. Helping ensure value in higher ed. contact: [email protected]

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

Excited to announce the launch of my website for the Higher Education Advisory group (the HEA Group).

Are you a journalist, researcher, policymaker, or college administrator looking for easily accessible and downloadable datasets? I got you covered. 1/5
https://t.co/3fFA6RDpJF

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

This month, the @HEAGROUP marks its third anniversary. When we launched our organization, #highered leaders were still largely resistant to post-college earnings data. Today, that data is reshaping federal law, state policy, and how millions of students choose where to enroll.

[Washington Monthly @monthly]

Call it denial: Many in higher education were hesitant to use data that provided insights into students’ post-graduation earnings.

@mikeitzkowitz on why grief, acceptance, and even enthusiasm will follow.

https://t.co/WA4DbpPGnZ

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

US avg = 372 students per counselor

Having clear and concise info on college outcomes is cool. Having a few more counselors to help 17 & 18 year olds understand it (among their many other responsibilities) might be even cooler.

[Rocio Saldana @RocioSaldana4]

About 2% of U.S. associate and bachelor's degree-granting programs are at risk under the new provision, called "do no harm," which takes effect in July, according to research from the HEA Group, a #highereducation research firm. #audit https://t.co/VTDGN1072R

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

Please join @HEAGROUP for a fireside chat with former Secretary @JohnBKing on January 20th where we'll discuss his new book and all things #highered.

What: A Conversation with @SUNY Chancellor John King
When: January 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Register here: https://t.co/VLIugm1Q04

[Harlan Cohen @harlancohen]

Lucky to be able to visit with @mikeitzkowitz. Grateful for his time and expertise.

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

Had an amazing time this holiday season joining up with @nytimes bestselling author @harlancohen for a deep dive into the questions every family needs to ask: Is college still worth it? And how do you evaluate schools beyond just "getting in?"

https://t.co/jCOGxPwMyV

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

We are excited to welcome Olivia Oestreicher to the HEA Group.

With experience in graduate admissions, workforce development, and public affairs, Olivia is committed to strengthening and communicating the value of #highered. She joins us while completing an Ed.M. at @Harvard.

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

Policy Update: The Education Department will now share earnings data with students after they complete their FAFSA—before they enroll. This is a huge transparency win, but there's more to the story. 1/5 🧵

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

The HEA Group's body of work focuses on five sophisticated strategic elements: 1⃣Progressive Granularity, 2⃣Data Democratization, 3⃣Accountability Infrastructure, 4⃣Narrative Power, and 5⃣Market Correction. 1/

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

The HEA Group sends a special thanks to those who work to make a difference in the lives of students every day.💫 #happythanksgiving 🦃

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

📝Some of us got into college despite checking out in high school. Others who navigated complex systems, worked jobs, and supported families sometimes don't get that chance. 📝 - via @mikeitzkowitz #AccessToCollege #StudentSuccess

https://t.co/Wi70wY2YTZ

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

A 2022 poll found that most Tennesseans believe the primary purpose of #highered is to prepare students for a career. However, more than half question whether the education system adequately prepares them with the skills, knowledge, and credentialing to succeed in the job market.

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

📊 New Data Insight from the @CACradle2Career Data System: Certificate holders are earning more than those with associate-degrees four years after completion.

Are community college certificates better aligning with workforce needs and higher salaries for learners?

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

Due to the government shutdown, it’s unclear when ~four million students will be getting their next meal, despite federal court rulings. It’s time to put politics aside and fix this. No one can learn on an empty stomach. #SNAPBenefits #FoodInsecurity #CollegeStudents #HigherEd

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

The college #ROI debate isn't about whether to go—it's about which programs deliver for learners and leave them better off.

Data transparency will help colleges and students make more informed decisions on pathways that lead to economic mobility. @AP

https://t.co/PBO6qGDbY7

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

"Rather than rankings, it's critical to consider the out of-pocket costs to get a degree along with the historical earnings potential of previous students." -
@mikeitzkowitz @WashTimes

[Michael Itzkowitz @mikeitzkowitz]

Prediction: This will make students more likely to enroll in college. ⁦@calstate⁩ https://t.co/i6nnpkreLk

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

In the latest episode of the RANT Podcast, @mikeitzkowitz joins @EloyOakley from @CollegeFutures for the kick off of season four with a deep dive into the #ROI of California's 327 community and career colleges.

Listen now 👉 https://t.co/tZjgQD88uV

[The HEA Group @HEAGROUP]

New Podcast: Accountability, Value, and OBBB

“The No. 1 reason why students attend college is for greater employability and a financially secure future. The No. 1 reason why they don’t is they think they can’t afford it” – HEA President @mikeitzkowitz

👉https://t.co/STu0hviupD