While much attention has been focused on how enrollment declines are putting private, nonprofit colleges out of business at an accelerating rate—at least 17 of them in 2024—public universities and colleges are facing their own existential crises.
Fewer young people are choosing college since the hype that a college degree was a great investment has been exposed as, shall we say, "misinformation." Many colleges now find themselves in peril of going under.
"Enrollment" holds the top spot as the most significant risk faced by colleges and universities, according to this annual report from United Educators.
First-year enrollment increased last fall, correcting findings from an earlier report that claimed a 5% decline, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research center.
"We oftentimes don't think much about training with adults on social-emotional development, but we're not done growing," says Karen G. Foley, president and CEO of JPA Chicago.
As Donald Trump takes office, his administration is set to dismantle DEI programs in higher education, echoing actions in GOP-led states and signaling a shift that could reshape campuses nationwide. Dozens of DEI programs have already closed.
The "Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education," bill, presented by Republican Senator Ben Toews, aims to remove DEI offices from state-funded colleges and universities and redirect those resources to academic support programs for all students.
A changing of the guard is underway at Texas' flagship university while one president accused of "wasteful" spending was offered more than a million dollars to resign.
