The Latest

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  Inside the effort to improve transfers between community colleges and top-ranked schools

  Relatively few two-year college students go on to selective institutions, but some higher ed leaders are creating new pathways to change that. 

  Student Success

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  Opinion

  Think twice about outsourcing campus mental health services

  The president of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors urges institutions not to save money by cutting counseling staff.

  Student Success

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  Course-sharing company Acadeum nabs $11.9M in latest funding round

  The company plans to use the investment to help spread the word about its services, which are used by 460-plus colleges. 

  Updated May 26, 2023

  Online Learning

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  First Lady encourages higher ed pathways beyond 4-year degrees

  During remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Jill Biden said the White House supports options like apprenticeships and dual enrollment.

  Higher Ed

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  Cal State’s revenue only covers 86% of costs — and the gap is widening

  The budget deficit is expected to significantly worsen if the system doesn’t increase its revenue by 2030, a new report to trustees found.

  Finance

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  For-profit cosmetology college blames impending closure on 90/10 rule changes

  Queen City College, in Tennessee, said that it would not be able to meet “impossible benchmarks” under the new regulation and plans to close in 2025.

  Updated May 27, 2023

  Higher Ed

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  White House calls on colleges to act against antisemitism

  A Thursday report from the Biden administration shared best practices for countering anti-Jewish hate on campuses.

  Policy & Legal

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  House committees will investigate Education Department over Sweet v. Cardona settlement

  Republicans raised concerns the agency was “improperly influenced by political considerations” in the case that canceled some $6 billion in student loan debt.

  Higher Ed

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  State funding for higher ed surpasses pre-Great Recession levels

  But public colleges will now have to contend with the loss of COVID-19 relief funds and continuing declines in enrollment.

  Higher Ed

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  House Republicans again take Biden’s student loan policies to task

  Conservatives during a subcommittee hearing also blasted administration officials for not being more responsive to requests for information.

  Higher Ed

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  Over half of adults say the financial benefits of attending college outweigh its costs

  But their views depended heavily on factors like whether they completed their programs or had outstanding loans, a Federal Reserve survey found. 

  Higher Ed

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  Undergraduate losses slow — but enrollment is still well below pre-COVID levels

  Younger enrollees helped boost community colleges’ student bodies in spring 2023, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

  Enrollment

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  North Carolina bill would force accreditation changes for public colleges

  The proposal, similar to legislation passed by Florida lawmakers, stems from a recent politicization of accrediting bodies.

  Higher Ed

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  US default could hamper colleges’ financial aid and research funding, ACE says

  The effects on higher ed could be minimized if the government resolved a default quickly, according to the American Council on Education. 

  Policy & Legal

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  Colleges face new responsibilities as states require abortion medication access on campus

  New York and Massachusetts recently implemented mandates for their public institutions. At least one private college is also offering the pills. 

  Policy & Legal

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  Bain warns of ‘perilous environment’ for colleges as COVID-19 relief dries up

  Although the higher education sector gained financial stability during the pandemic, the effects are likely short-lived, analysts said

  Finance

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  U.S. News changes undergraduate rankings methodology amid upheaval

  The magazine is removing metrics like alumni giving ahead of the release of the 2024 undergraduate rankings.

  Higher Ed

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  National labor board hits USC, NCAA with complaint over athletes’ rights

  The complaint, which also names the Pac-12 conference, seeks for an administrative law judge to classify college athletes as employees.

  Higher Ed

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  Deep Dive

  Is University of Idaho’s acquisition of University of Phoenix a good idea?

  Higher education experts warn that the public institution’s leaders will have to contend with the for-profit’s checkered past and take on unknown liabilities.

  Higher Ed

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  About 75% of students want to attend college — but far fewer expect to actually go

  A survey from nonprofit YouthTruth also revealed these gaps worsen for certain groups, like Indigenous and Pacific Islander students.

  Enrollment

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  Opinion

  President Speaks: Despite shrinking numbers, women’s colleges are more important than ever

  Elizabeth Meade, leader of Cedar Crest College, argues that institutions like hers are needed to provide inclusive environments and drive social mobility. 

  Student Success

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  Non-elite colleges should consider radical steps to improve their financial future, report says

  EY and Times Higher Education suggested leaders consider merging with other institutions, cutting programs that lose money and investing in digital learning.

  Higher Ed

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  Law school students can take up to half of their credits online after ABA policy change

  An American Bar Association survey last year showed law students favored distance learning classes over those in person.

  Higher Ed

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  Texas bill restricting transgender college athletes nears the governor’s desk

  Legislation would block trans players from joining teams aligned with their gender identity. Pro-LGBTQ+ groups call the measure cruel.

  Higher Ed

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  Former professor sues University of California system over diversity statements in hiring

  DEI statements are “loyalty oaths,” alleges a former University of Toronto faculty member who sought a UC campus job.

  Higher Ed

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