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States adopt name, image and likeness policies for college athletes

Though the NCAA is due to vote on rules this month, some critics think they don't go far enough.

What a Democratic-controlled Congress could mean for higher ed

Senate wins in Georgia give the party more power to pass measures such as coronavirus relief spending, but their influence is limited.

HBCU leaders take active role in coronavirus vaccine education

A handful of college administrators are sharing videos of themselves getting the shots to build widespread trust in them.

More colleges delay spring classes, return to campus

Observers say these last-minute changes give schools time to avoid post-holiday virus outbreaks and see whether peers can successfully reopen.

A coronavirus tuition refund lawsuit moves forward

The case focuses on whether Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute broke a contract with students to offer experiential programs during the pandemic.

College health association recommends twice-weekly coronavirus testing

The group says this should be paired with less costly mitigation efforts, including mask-wearing and social distancing.

Cost increases for colleges slowed in fiscal 2020

The sector's inflation rate was lower than the prior year and the five-year average, according to Commonfund's Higher Education Price Index. 

5 higher education trends to watch in 2021

Enrollment changes, a return to campus, the future of admissions testing and more stories we'll be following this year.

Federal judge largely blocks Trump's diversity training order

It would no longer be enforced for federal contractors and grant recipients. Higher ed's top lobbying group supports the ruling.

UPDATED: Dec. 23, 2020 at 4:36 p.m.

How are community colleges paying for guided pathways?

New research found the amounts can be steep, but schools implementing the promising model have shifted budgets and secured new funding.

Our biggest stories of 2020

More younger students are going to online colleges, a growing role for OPMs and other deep dives from the year.

Biden picks Connecticut schools chief Miguel Cardona as Ed Secretary

Cardona is a University of Connecticut trustee, which ACE President Ted Mitchell said gives him "a clear view" of higher ed's current challenges.

UPDATED: Dec. 22, 2020 at 6:12 p.m.

What the pandemic relief and funding deals mean for colleges

President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion coronavirus aid package, which gives colleges around $23 billion. It is far short of what the industry requested.

UPDATED: Jan. 3, 2021 at 9:50 p.m.

College transfer student enrollment dropped 8.1% this fall

Online schools made inroads with stopped-out students despite widespread declines, final data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows.

What makes MacKenzie Scott's gifts to colleges different from other donations

The billionaire philanthropist doesn't appear to have a personal connection to the schools and has said the money comes with no strings attached.

Is the pandemic changing how much the public values college?

The health crisis has some questioning whether a degree is worth the money, new research shows. Efforts are underway to fix that.

FAFSA filings are off to a slow start. Can colleges reverse the trend?

Underrepresented students in particular are pacing behind last year in their college application rates and financial aid requests.

Deep Dive

COVID-19 is pushing colleges to close the digital divide

Institutions are helping students access classes online. But even with free laptops, hotspots and Wi-Fi access points, many are left out.

Colleges enrolled nearly 500,000 fewer students this fall

Final figures from the National Student Clearinghouse also break down the losses by major.

7 charts that give a snapshot of college enrollment this fall

Fewer students headed to college, but the trend and its impact vary. We've updated this post with new data on transfer enrollment.

UPDATED: Dec. 23, 2020 at 10:23 a.m.

Latest federal relief proposal includes $20B for higher ed

Lawmakers are trying to move quickly to pass a new coronavirus aid package, but the sector's cut of the funding falls far short of what it says it needs.

Southern New Hampshire sets annual tuition at $10K and $15K for in-person degrees

The university teased the change earlier this year as a way to make college more affordable in the pandemic's wake.

Are MOOCs getting a second wind as colleges look online for gen ed classes?

Several companies offering premade virtual courses are seeing more interest from investors and schools, which could solidify an uncertain business model.

Deep Dive

4 questions for colleges now that the US has a coronavirus vaccine

Still, it will likely be several months before most students and employees are vaccinated, experts say.

Q&A

How one president helped his small college close a deficit and get off probation

Bernard Bull is leaving Goddard College, in Vermont, after guiding the school to stronger financial footing.