National News
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.
California law to protect Jewish students faces challenge over free speech concerns
ABC News -
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is challenging a new California law designed to protect Jewish students from discrimination, but that plaintiff teachers and students say is unconstitutionally vague and violates their free speech rights.
What college students are worried about right now
WLRN -
College students in the U.S. say financial strain, political turmoil, loneliness and job uncertainty are weighing heavily on them. From tuition costs to visa worries, students are trying to stay hopeful while navigating mounting pressures on campus and beyond.
College-style retirement living is booming—but does it make the grade? Here’s what to know before heading to class
College-style retirement communities are gaining popularity, letting older adults live and learn alongside college students. These “university retirement communities” combine lifelong learning with luxury living but carry steep costs.
Following Trump guidance, words like ‘equity’ and ‘access’ have quietly been cut at Wisconsin tech colleges
Half of Wisconsin’s technical colleges have removed or renamed DEI-related positions and programs following Trump administration guidance threatening to pull federal funding.
College grads who land better jobs right out of school still earn more than their peers 5 years into their careers, study finds
CNBC -
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.
Free speech? What happens when scholars are ‘canceled’
Scholars who have been targeted or sanctioned over their speech suffer lasting consequences beyond the initial campus controversies, a new analysis warns.
Harvard joins other universities to confront the roots of skepticism in higher education
Harvard, Yale and seven other private universities huddled earlier this month to explore ‘bold action’ to foster more ‘free expression’ on U.S campuses.
Colleges hope to ‘AI-proof’ their offerings as new tech changes job expectations
GBH -
AI is transforming industries from software development to construction management and architecture. To prepare students, colleges are rethinking what—and how—they teach. Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston is meeting the challenge with a new degree in applied artificial intelligence.
‘Culture of caring’ blossoms, but there’s room to grow
UB Staff -
A new report finds many community college students don’t use available food, housing and mental health services. Researchers say colleges can foster a stronger “culture of caring” to encourage students to seek help.
New College of Florida, a conservative bulwark, will sign Trump’s ‘compact’
New College of Florida, a small public liberal arts school, said it would agree to a set of White House conditions in exchange for federal funding preferences, becoming the first institution to say it would sign on.
Florida wants to post more college syllabi online. Professors fear what’s next
UB Staff -
University leaders want schools to disclose required textbooks, materials and readings for most courses. Supporters say the change promotes transparency and accountability, while some faculty worry it could invite political pressure or harassment.
Illinois community colleges defy national trend with 4 years of enrollment growth
The focus on career and technical education appears to be a driving factor in the enrollment growth at Illinois community colleges, providing students with opportunities in trades, short-term certificates and healthcare.
Black enrollment is waning at many elite colleges after affirmative action ban, AP analysis finds
AP News -
New enrollment figures from 20 selective colleges provide mounting evidence of a backslide in Black enrollment. On almost all of the campuses, Black students account for a smaller share of new students this fall than in 2023.
You’re in and didn’t even apply? Why college direct admissions is growing nationally
In Minnesota, officials say direct admissions has helped increase enrollment. California will be next to offer it.
Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses
Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
University of Virginia agrees to Trump administration demands over admissions and hiring
The agreement ends the Justice Department’s investigation, with UVA pledging not to engage in unlawful racial discrimination in admissions, hiring or other programs and to submit relevant data to the department every quarter through 2028.
College ranking categories will be updated based on new carnegie classifications
UB Staff -
The change will make some specialized schools newly eligible for national and regional rankings, while a small number of colleges will shift categories to better reflect their programs and degree offerings.
Trump administration ends program to help low-income students get to college
Axios -
The program offered after-school activities such as family nights and STEM projects, helped students with college preparation and financial aid planning, and provided professional development for teachers.
Ohio State preps for an AI-driven future
Axios -
The effort, part of its new “AI Fluency” initiative, aims to prepare more than 100,000 students, faculty and staff to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Vanderbilt’s Diermeier issues noncommittal statement on Trump compact
Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said the university will continue talks with the Trump administration over a proposed higher education compact but stopped short of committing to it. The White House set an Oct. 20 deadline for a response.
Trump administration agrees to deliver more student loan forgiveness
CNBC -
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.
Changing childcare offerings at community colleges
UB Staff -
While many community colleges provide childcare on campus, some work with community partners to connect students to off-campus childcare. Other colleges have made the difficult decision to shut down their childcare centers.
Is college worth the cost? Universities work to show the return on investment of a degree
Public confidence in higher education has plummeted in recent years amid high tuition prices, skyrocketing student loans and a dismal job market—plus ideological concerns from conservatives. Now, colleges are scrambling to prove their value to students.
One Utah college saw historic student enrollment this fall—growing by nearly 15%
The number of added students—9,112 more going into higher education this year — has also never been so high. The state now has a total of 216,117 enrolled across its eight traditional schools in its public system.
Nearly 2 in 3 San Diego community college students lack stable food or housing, survey shows
The 2025 Real College Survey found 44% of San Diego Community College students were food insecure and 59% faced housing instability, prompting renewed efforts to strengthen campus resources and basic-needs programs.
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.
