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

A newly formed nonprofit is considering a small, place-based college in Ashland to preserve Northland College’s legacy after it closed last year. The model reflects a growing national shift toward microcolleges that emphasize community, local ecology and close-knit learning.

To boost job prospects after graduation, some colleges are investing in internships, co-ops and career coaching that connect learning to real work.