The University of Alabama enrolled 42,360 students for fall 2025, a 3.7% increase from last year. Recruiting in-state students has become a priority over the last several years, according to Matthew McLendon, UA's associate vice president and executive director of enrollment management.
The U.S. Department of Education plans to cut grants that fund minority-serving colleges, putting millions at risk for Wisconsin's Hispanic-serving institutions. Advocates warn the move will hurt low-income and first-generation students, though campuses vow to continue their support.
University of California faculty, staff and students sued the Trump administration, accusing it of using civil rights laws to curb free speech and academic freedom. The lawsuit follows a $1.2 billion funding freeze against UCLA.
Texas community colleges offer more bachelor's degrees than ever, but only 4,500 students enrolled last fall compared with 114,000 at public universities. Leaders say the programs are affordable paths to good jobs but face low awareness and lingering doubts.
California saw a sharp rise in federal financial aid applications this year, with nearly three-quarters of public high school seniors applying—evidence the state's push is paying off.
