Paying for college is an issue in the presidential campaign, and on Capitol Hill this week as two higher education associations hold fly-ins.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities kicked off its Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day event Sunday. Congressional visits are Tuesday. Policy sessions during the meeting include the future of loan and grant programs for students with exceptional financial needs, religious freedom and public funding, overtime pay and accreditation.

Members of the National Council of Higher Education Resources will hear from Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) Tuesday. Also on the agenda are representatives from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Government Accountability Office. The trade group for public and private organizations involved in student loan programs will make Hill visits Wednesday.

Also visiting Washington, D.C., this week: the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Hill visits are planned for Thursday, followed by two days of advocacy and leadership educational sessions.

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