olleges with high student loan default rates could lose eligibility for federal student aid programs, the administration said.

More students are choosing community college and short-term credentials over four-year degrees as costs rise and job prospects soften. New federal student loan caps and expanded Pell eligibility starting in mid-2026 could speed up the “un-college” shift.

Undergraduate certificate and associate degree enrollments each grew about 2% in fall 2025, while bachelor’s programs rose by less than 1%, according to the report. Community colleges now enroll 752,000 certificate students, up 28% from four years ago.

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.

Every additional $1,000 students earn in their first job out of college translates to an additional $700 in annual earnings five years after graduating, a new National Bureau of Economics Research paper finds.

In the agreement, the Trump administration said it will again process student loan forgiveness for eligible borrowers in two income-driven repayment plans—the original Income-Contingent Repayment plan and the Pay as You Earn plan—as long as those programs remain in effect.

Experts say “behind-the-scenes” discounting through merit aid and grants has become widespread, though inconsistent formulas leave families seeking transparency.

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.