Week in review: Judge deals major blow to plans to dismantle Education Department

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from an order to reinstate the agency’s fired workers to another Trump administration action against Harvard.

McMahon defends $12B proposed cut to the Education Department

During a budget hearing, some Republicans indicated support for dismantling the agency, while Democrats panned the proposed cuts.

Spring enrollment rises 3.2%, with community colleges leading the way

Every type of higher ed institution and most U.S. states saw headcount gains, new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found.

Data breach reporting lags in education, study finds

The sector reportedly takes an average of 4.8 months to report attacks — higher than for business, government and healthcare.

Colleges could be targeted anew under fraud law, DOJ says

The agency created a civil rights initiative to seek out violations of the False Claims Act, which could include diversity initiatives.

Maryland regents allow furloughs and salary cuts for public universities

The state’s higher education system is facing big funding shortfalls at both the state and federal levels.

House probe alleges Harvard University has research ties to ‘foreign adversaries’

The inquiry is part of an onslaught of investigations and financial penalties the  institution is facing after it rebuked the Trump administration’s demands. 

Federal judge blocks Energy Department’s 15% cap on indirect research costs

Colleges and higher education groups suing the agency are likely to prove the policy violates federal law, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled.

Education Department walks back $37.7M fine against Grand Canyon University

Brian Mueller, the university’s president, said the ruling supports that the large Christian institution was “wrongly accused” of misleading doctoral students. 

How campus investments in digital buildings can fund future sustainability projects

Smart building and campus energy management systems helped the Georgia Institute of Technology qualify for a $214,000 utility rebate.

Over half of hiring managers say recent grads are unprepared for the workforce

“Colleges don’t teach students how to behave in the workplace,” Resume.org’s career coach said in a statement. 

New Jersey City University takes key step to become part of Kean University

The two public institutions signed a letter of intent Thursday outlining a plan that would transform NJCU into “Kean Jersey City.”

Harvard University devotes $250M to sustain research hit by federal cuts

The institution’s leaders said they have received multiple grant terminations since the Trump administration froze over $2.2 billion of its federal funding.

‘Gross mismanagement’: Bacone College sent into liquidation

After filing for bankruptcy last year, a judge this week ordered its case to be converted into Chapter 7 after alarms raised by the U.S. trustee’s office.

Education Department retracts CTE grants for Native American and Hawaiian students

The agency said the nearly $21.6 million grant competitions do not “align with the objectives established by the Trump Administration.”

House panel advances bill to raise college endowment tax up to 21%

Republicans proposed a tiered system on wealthy private institutions’ investment income, though experts say higher rates could harm student aid.

Week in review: More campus closures and downsizing ahead

We’re rounding up stories you may have missed from last week, from one major university’s downsizing plans to widespread cuts to scientific research. 

Penn State University proposes closing 7 commonwealth campuses

In a report to trustees, university officials cited enrollment declines at the colleges, as well as their financial deficits and maintenance backlogs.

What’s needed to strengthen career and college pathway commitments?

Leaders from education, business, government and politics say career exposure in college and K-12 is needed to meet workplace demands.

Trump administration nixes another $450M of Harvard University’s grants

The federal government escalated attacks against the Ivy League institution, calling it a “breeding ground for virtue signaling and discrimination.” 

State and local funding for public colleges up 18% from pre-pandemic levels, SHEEO says

States could face hard budgetary decisions ahead as federal stimulus funding runs dry, the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association said.

Denver Public Schools gets the OK to award associate degrees

Set to launch in 2026, programs offered through the district’s technical college would provide a higher credential for registered apprentices.

Judge greenlights racketeering lawsuit against Grand Canyon Education

Plaintiffs say the educational services provider misrepresented program costs, but the company says students couldn't have been "caught by surprise."

How could cuts to the Education Department impact HBCUs?

Downsizing or shuttering the agency may harm the “long-term sustainability” of some historically Black colleges and universities, one expert said. 

Updated May 13, 2025

New York’s adult learners can now attend community college for free

The Opportunity Promise Scholarship covers the costs of tuition and books for state residents between ages 25 to 55 who are pursuing in-demand degrees.