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.

As students use AI to research colleges, colleges must adapt their enrollment strategies to keep up with faster, lower-click decision-making.

Major changes to federal student loans take effect July 1, 2026, cutting repayment options and changing terms for many borrowers. The overhaul also sets new limits on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, while some current borrowers may keep existing plans.