National News
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
San Jacinto College in Pasadena is among several Texas community colleges reviewing their academic offerings. The move follows a viral video of a student confronting a professor over gender identity that sparked widespread political debate.
Student rents are rising quicker than everyone else’s in San Antonio
Axios -
The average cost of student housing—or off-campus apartments where more than half of tenants are college students—grew by 22.4% from 2020 to 2025 in San Antonio, while average market-rate rents grew 17.4%.
As tuition soars, so has ‘behind-the-scenes’ discounting, ‘The Price You Pay for College’ author says
CNBC -
Experts say “behind-the-scenes” discounting through merit aid and grants has become widespread, though inconsistent formulas leave families seeking transparency.
Trump officials reportedly consider selling student loan debt to private investors
Experts say the move could eliminate the federal government’s power to cancel educational loans
Vanderbilt campus groups push back against Trump administration higher ed ‘compact’
Hundreds at Vanderbilt University are urging leaders not to sign a Trump administration “compact” tying funding to new campus restrictions.
People say college doesn’t matter. They’re right and wrong
NPR -
About 19 million people are going to college right now. But one recent poll from Gallup shows that the percentage of Americans who view college as very important is at an all time low, dropping from 75% in 2010 to 35% now.
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
At least two community colleges, Alvin and Blinn, are also considering what they can and can’t teach to high schoolers enrolled in their fast-growing dual credit courses.
Florida Republican unveils bill threatening state funding if colleges don’t rename roads after Charlie Kirk
The Hill -
A bill filed by Florida state Rep. Kevin Steele would require colleges to rename specific campus roads after Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last month while speaking at a Utah college. Institutions that do not comply would risk losing state funding.
AI tutors coming to California Community Colleges
Axios -
California Community Colleges is partnering with AI company Nectir to offer free AI learning assistants to 2.1 million students. The tool provides academic support while giving instructors control over privacy and use.
Virginia community college enrollment down as career, technical education signups increase, study says
A state study found Virginia’s community college enrollment fell 7% over the past decade, while dual enrollment and career and technical education grew. Researchers say the trend is straining smaller colleges and prompting calls for efficiency.
Only 14 states require colleges to teach students about civics, says report
The report, “50-State Comparison: Civics Education,” examined civics requirements in high schools and colleges. The think tank argues many universities have neglected teaching American history and principles.
How off-campus housing support builds student success at this university
Colorado State University’s Off-Campus Life department helps students find stability and community, connecting housing security to retention and overall well-being.
UT students say ‘Campus Protection Act’ continues to limit free speech
KUT News -
A new state law limiting campus speakers is reshaping UT student groups and raising free speech concerns. The “Campus Protection Act” requires university approval for guest speakers.
Solving the labor crisis: How community colleges fuel the robotics workforce
A growing skills gap for automation technicians has promoted one regional community college to develop programs that prepare students for these challenging and well-paying careers.
Federal workers sue the Education Department over partisan shutdown emails
NPR -
The lawsuit claims the Education Department violated the First Amendment by forcing partisan language into workers’ out-of-office emails during the shutdown. It names the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon as defendants.
Enrollments are up, but can students afford to stay?
UB Staff -
College enrollment has rebounded, driven largely by gains at community colleges and career and technical programs. But many of these students face greater financial strain, with higher need, limited aid and reduced access to safety net programs like SNAP.
Fewer foreign students, fewer dollars: U.S. colleges feel the pinch
Reuters -
DePaul University will cut spending after a 30% drop in international enrollment this fall, its president told faculty. The decline comes as U.S. colleges face the impact of shifting federal education and immigration policies.
Judge finds Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted pro-Palestinian students in searing rebuke
CBS News -
In a 161-page decision, U.S. District Judge William Young criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to target international students for pro-Palestinian views, calling it constitutionally protected speech.
How the government shutdown will impact schools, student loans
ABC News -
During the shutdown, previously awarded federal grants to schools are expected to continue, but new grants are paused until Congress acts. Student loan borrowers and education programs could face further disruption if the shutdown drags on.
Four charts show how global higher education is changing
UB Staff -
More students than ever are studying across international borders, but where and what they learn is shifting.
These 10 colleges offer the best value in the U.S., says new report—only 1 is an Ivy League
CNBC -
Seven of the 10 best value colleges in the U.S. are part of the City University of New York network, according to The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 rankings.
Gen Z choosing trade schools over college
NBC News -
Young adults ages 18 to 28 are turning to hands-on careers such as electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians. Many cite financial stability without student debt, while others find purpose beyond the paycheck.
College students’ mental health is improving, says study
Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation among college students have fallen for the third straight year, according to the University of Michigan’s Healthy Minds Study.
Learn by doing: Apprenticeships offer job opportunities and close skills gaps
UB Staff -
While vocational education has gone through many progressions, modern educators are embracing apprenticeships as a way to combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Northwestern students blocked from enrollment after refusing controversial antisemitism training
Students say mandatory training video is biased in favor of Israel and could inflame campus tensions over Gaza.
How much it costs to attend the top 10 colleges in the U.S.—No. 1 has a sticker price over $90,000 a year
CNBC -
Northwestern University has the lowest estimated all-in price among the top 10 universities for the 2025-26 school year at $77,516 to $96,236, depending on whether students live on campus or in an off-campus apartment, according to the school.
Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates say
Student advocates worry that Texas colleges will continue to misinterpret the ruling and deny the benefit to some qualifying students, like DACA recipients.
California colleges lost millions in humanities purge. Their projects might not recover
California colleges and universities are still missing over $5 million worth of humanities grants, despite one federal district court order to return funds to University of California campuses. Campuses must now scramble for limited, alternative funding.
Nutritional quality of college dining options vary by location, time of day
Researchers at UConn found dining choices differ in nutrition across campus. Dining halls tended to offer healthier options, but breakfast foods were higher in sugar and lower in protein.
Best public colleges in America
AOL -
Stacker, using Niche’s 2026 rankings, compiled a list of the nation’s best public colleges based on academics, admissions, cost and student life. Topping the list were the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, the University of California–Los Angeles and the University of Virginia.
Half of students at california’s public colleges work while in school
Research has found that while students can benefit from working during college, work may also disrupt their studies. Latino and female students are two of the groups most likely to work while in college.
Does another education bond stand a chance with voters? California colleges hope so
As they face high-cost fixes, lawmakers have introduced a bond bill that ambitiously intends to fund both the modernization of academic facilities and the addition of affordable student housing throughout the state.
Study: Utah college students carry nation’s lightest loan debt
Utah trails only Hawaii in carrying the nation’s lowest student debt, ranking 50th on WalletHub’s list, as lawmakers push accelerated degree programs to drive costs down even further.
Q&A: U.S. faith-based colleges and universities grow
UB Staff -
Faith-based colleges are growing steadily even as many U.S. institutions face enrollment declines. Leaders say the schools’ focus on academic rigor, values and belonging resonates with students and families.
U.S. student applications to colleges in Europe, U.K. and Asia jump amid rising costs and political turmoil
CBS News -
American students are increasingly looking overseas for college as tuition climbs and politics roil U.S. campuses. Applications to the U.K. alone jumped 14% this year.
