Across the nation, community colleges are showing what’s possible when design keeps pace with mission.

A court settlement has opened the door for schools to share revenue with athletes, but clarity hasn’t followed. Instead, political fights, payment caps and questions about athletes’ rights are fueling one of the messiest transitions in college sports history.

Trump’s crackdown on international students has left colleges facing steep financial strain, with schools like the University of Central Missouri cutting costs and raising tuition to cope.

A new list ranks the top community colleges by cost, retention rate, and future earnings, among other key outcomes.