U.S. Mulls Aid Changes for Distance Courses

By DAN CARNEVALE

The U.S. Education Department plans to hold open meetings -- perhaps within the next couple of months -- to discuss possible changes in financial-aid regulations governing distance-learning courses.

Some groups have complained that the regulations inhibit the growth of distance education.

Among the regulations to be discussed is the 12-hour rule, which requires students to be enrolled in 12 hours of course work per week in order to receive federal