Federal student loan rules for graduate school borrowers are changing for the first time in nearly two decades, and the effects are causing a hard reckoning for current university business models.
A Lumina-Gallup report finds most students say college supports open dialogue and builds job-ready skills, but many still question whether the price is fair.
Re-enrollment strategies are most impactful when framed not simply as short-term fixes, but as long-term investments in people, institutions and communities.
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.
Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.
