National News
Indiana colleges must answer how new degrees commit to American values
Under newly adopted state requirements, universities must answer whether proposed degree programs exercise a "commitment to the core values of American society."
New study finds significant gaps in post-grad earnings between Mass. public colleges
Within five years, associate’s degree graduates earn about $20,000 more than high school graduates, and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $30,000 more, according to the report.
New limits on school loans could narrow physician and nurse pipeline, educators warn
NPR -
A little-noticed provision in the sweeping "One Big Beautiful" legislation sharply limits the amount of federal student loans that students earning professional degrees — including medical school — can borrow.
Education Department gave another agency power to distribute its money. It hasn’t gone well.
Politico -
Critics say issues with accessing federal career and technical education funding could preview bigger problems when the Trump administration starts to outsource more of the Education Department’s responsibilities to other agencies.
Are nurses ‘professionals’? The government’s answer impacts students
Backlash and confusion have swirled after the Department of Education under President Donald Trump left nursing and other professions off a list of “professional” degrees in a proposed rule over loans.
Higher education’s AI problem
NPR -
Nationwide, colleges are still working out how to fold AI into the classroom. Since ChatGPT launched almost three years ago, students have used it as a study partner, a research tool and at times, a shortcut for cheating.
The best colleges for future leaders 2026
Time -
A new analysis finds that America’s top leaders still come largely from elite universities, even as more diverse institutions join the list. These schools build leadership through rigorous academics, strong networks and emerging pathways in fields like AI.
How higher education changes are affecting community colleges
UB Staff -
Trump’s higher education policies are affecting more than elite universities—they’re creating new hurdles for community colleges as well, threatening efforts to expand economic and workforce opportunities.
College students are now slightly less likely to experience severe depression, research shows
The University of Michigan’s healthy minds survey recently found that college students are reporting lower rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicidal thoughts for the third year in a row.
Noncredit training at community colleges linked to earnings gains
AERA -
Students who enroll in short-term, job-focused training through community college noncredit programs experience modest but meaningful earnings gains and a greater likelihood of being employed after training, according to a new study,
Americans want colleges to teach students how to think, not what to think, new Vanderbilt poll finds
WPLN -
A new Vanderbilt Unity Poll finds most Americans want colleges to teach critical thinking rather than political views. However, they remain divided over what subjects belong in the curriculum and whether college is worth the cost.
Community colleges face new challenges as Trump battles with higher education
UB Staff -
The Trump administration's battles over higher education have mostly focused on elite and some public universities. But the president's policies could also undermine community colleges' plans to create more economic opportunities and jobs.
Colleges that accept the most international students
UB Staff -
Among 368 universities with at least 500 international applicants, the average acceptance rate for fall 2024 was 42%, and a few institutions admitted all applicants.
Colleges in rural U.S. region raise eyebrows after offering unusual program
Rural Minnesota colleges are adding electric vehicle training to automotive programs as demand for skilled mechanics grows. Instructors warn that high-voltage systems offer strong job prospects but require strict electrical safety.
Tribal college leaders uneasy about U.S. financial commitments despite funding increase
ABC News -
Tribal college leaders say a recent federal funding boost doesn’t ease fears about long-term U.S. financial commitments amid broader cuts. They worry ongoing instability threatens programs that sustain Native languages, culture and sovereignty.
University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy is first new division in decades
The University of Alabama has approved its first new school in 60 years, creating the School of Leadership and Policy set to open in 2027. Officials say the move marks a rare expansion amid gradual restructuring of other academic divisions.
As social media grows more toxic, college athletes ask themselves: Is it worth it?
NPR -
As harassment and threats have grown, players and coaches have begun to ask themselves: Are the business opportunities worth the harassment? Increasingly, they have decided the answer is no.
Trump’s proposed cuts to work study threaten to upend a widely supported program that helps students offset college costs
The Trump administration’s plan to cut $980 million from federal work study threatens a program that helps nearly 700,000 students stay enrolled. Experts warn the reductions could limit campus jobs vital to students’ finances and success.
Developing a ‘strategic compass’ for community colleges
UB Staff -
The new leader of the nation’s main community college association on Wednesday called on member colleges to position themselves more prominently in serving the...
Accreditation of colleges, once low key, has gotten political
Some accreditation agencies acknowledge the process needs to evolve. But critics say the Trump administration is reshaping accreditation for political reasons, and risks undermining the legitimacy of the degrees colleges and universities award to students.
Despite claims, foreign students have not yet been put off America
Despite visa restrictions and funding cuts, U.S. universities saw only slight declines in foreign student visas this year. The drop in arrivals likely reflects fewer students traveling abroad, not reduced enrollment.
Tribal colleges are a unique resource—and they’re under threat
NPR -
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College offers courses grounded in Indigenous traditions. Since the current administration began, federal funding for tribal colleges has become less stable, forcing administrators to reassess how to maintain regular operations.
Trump defends enrolling Chinese students at U.S. universities —and takes a swipe at France
UB Staff -
President Trump defended enrolling Chinese students at U.S. universities during a Fox News interview, clashing with host Laura Ingraham over security concerns. His remarks came as tensions with France and debates over international student policies continue.
The winners (and losers) in Trump’s new student loan plans
President Trump’s new student loan plans offer forgiveness for some borrowers while restricting Public Service Loan Forgiveness for others, prompting lawsuits from 21 states. Critics say the changes create uncertainty and politicize debt relief.
The broken narrative of higher education bears little resemblance to students’ real lives
UB Staff -
National news remains fixated on controversies at elite campuses, skewing the public’s perception of the institutions that serve the majority of students.
College students, stressed about federal food aid uncertainty, look to campuses for support
AP News -
Hundreds of students at California State University, Sacramento, or Sac State, visit the school’s Basic Needs Resource Center every week, where they can select up to a dozen items per trip.
12 college majors that are quickly getting more popular
UB Staff -
In 2025, majors that once sat on the periphery are surging. BestColleges lists business administration, healthcare administration, mathematics and statistics among the nation’s most in-demand fields.
Better transparency to inform college decisions
UB Staff -
A recent Senate hearing examined ways to improve college financial transparency—from true costs to aid packages—to help families make informed choices. Lawmakers also discussed alternatives to four-year degrees to reduce costs.
Community college sticker price up 2.7%
UB Staff -
The average 2025-26 tuition-and-fees sticker price for public two-year colleges is $4,150, which is an increase of 2.7% (or $110) for full-time students compared to last fall, according to an annual report on college pricing and student aid trends from the College Board.
More colleges, including Walsh, are hiring presidents with military service
A growing number of U.S. colleges are turning to retired military officers to lead their institutions, valuing their backgrounds in strategy, management and crisis response. Leaders say their new roles reflect a continued commitment to public service and developing future generations.
High school, college students are excited about AI, not dreading jobs impact
CNBC -
High school and college students are embracing artificial intelligence as a learning aid rather than fearing its impact on future jobs. While educators still urge caution, many young learners are using AI tools like ChatGPT outside the classroom to save time and enhance their skills.
Some public universities report fewer international students amid Trump restrictions
The administration cites jobs and national security in proposing stricter limits on how long those with visas can stay.
College admissions: How the game is shifting
OPB -
New federal rules require colleges to report student data by race to enforce the affirmative action ban, but Northwest educators say the change will have little effect on largely open, race-neutral admissions.
College pantries seeing a supply shortage amid government shutdown
ABC30 -
College food pantries in California’s Central Valley are struggling to stay stocked amid the government shutdown. With federal aid halted, schools like Fresno City and Clovis are turning to local donations to feed students in need.
Explainable artificial intelligence for predictive modeling of student stress in higher education
UB Staff -
The analysis found that physiological, behavioral and psychosocial factors together shape stress outcomes in higher education. Elevated blood pressure signaled chronic stress, while perceived safety and sleep quality affected psychological and emotional stability.
