Key higher ed provisions in reconciliation bill violate Senate rules, official finds

Expanding Pell Grants to short-term programs and consolidating student loan programs were among the proposals flagged by the chamber’s parliamentarian.

DOJ sues Minnesota over in-state tuition for undocumented students

The move follows similar lawsuits against Kentucky and Texas as the Trump administration targets laws that states have had on their books for years.

How one Ohio initiative is boosting degree attainment for community college students

An eight-year study found 46% of students in a program with intensive advising and financial support earned a degree, compared to 31% who didn’t participate.

Persistence and retention rates hit some of their highest levels in nearly a decade

Over 86% of first-year students returned to college in the spring, according to the latest data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Federal judge orders OCR to reinstate laid-off employees — for now

The reduction in force left the office "incapable of addressing the vast majority" of complaints, the ruling said.

University of Connecticut eyes workforce cuts to manage funding shortfalls

Faced with cuts to state and federal funding, leaders are clamping down on hiring and reviewing temporary positions, along with other austerity measures.

Judge strikes down National Science Foundation’s 15% funding cap for research overhead

With the new ruling, efforts to cap research overhead reimbursement have now been blocked at four federal agencies. 

Tuition discounts at private nonprofits continue to climb, estimates show

Colleges have been giving larger aid packages to greater shares of students, the National Association of College and University Business Officers found. 

Columbia College Chicago lays off 20 faculty members

The cuts come as the private nonprofit attempts to “invest in areas that correspond to strong student demand,” one official told the campus community.

Temple University eyes job reductions amid $60M deficit for FY26

The public institution’s president said that enrollment is starting to rebound after a steep drop since 2017, but costs have increased much more quickly.

Majority of high schoolers say they don’t feel prepared for post-graduation

In a survey, about half of students said they’ve never had a job or internship, and more than a third said they’ve never gone for a college visit.

Do states have ‘statutory right’ to Education Department data and guidance?

The agency is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow its reduction in force — even as its laid-off employees remain on administrative leave.

Tennessee State operations get $96M boost from reallocated state funds

Tennessee's comptroller cited his confidence in the beleaguered university's current leadership team when signing the deal Tuesday.

Federal judge strikes down NIH directives against DEI research

The American Civil Liberties Union called the ruling "a major victory for public health.” Federal officials are exploring their legal options, including an appeal.

Tracking the Trump administration’s moves to cap indirect research funding

We’re keeping tabs of the agencies that have tried to limit reimbursement for overhead costs to 15% — and the legal challenges against them.

Updated June 24, 2025

Senate panel’s proposal would hike endowment tax less than House bill

The chamber’s Finance Committee proposed an 8% top rate — much lower than the 21% rate passed by House lawmakers. 

AAUP and AFT appeal after judge tosses lawsuit over canceled Columbia funds

The judge ruled that the unions lacked standing to sue and sided with the Trump administration’s case.

Tennessee State raises tuition 6% amid budget stabilization effort

Even with the tuition hike, the public historically Black institution faces a nearly $39 million shortfall.

Why did the Energy Department issue a Title IX rule?

The proposed athletics rule would rescind a prior requirement on coed sports tryouts — but only for colleges receiving U.S. Department of Energy grants.

University of Nebraska looks to cut another $20M from its budget

Amid state and federal funding challenges, the public Midwestern institution has already cut tens of millions of dollars in spending in recent years.

What’s the latest in Harvard University’s battle with the Trump administration?

New taxes and the federal attacks on the Ivy League institution could cost it up to $1 billion a year, according to university leaders.

Updated July 17, 2025

North Carolina’s Guilford College scrambles for cash to keep its accreditation

Amid enrollment declines, the historically Quaker institution has until December to show its accreditor a balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Tennessee and SFFA sue over funding for Hispanic-serving institutions

The U.S. Department of Education’s longtime HSI grant program undercuts equal opportunity and is discriminatory, the state and advocacy group argued.

Harvard spars with Trump administration over order protecting its international enrollment

The Ivy League institution argued that the federal government may seek to circumvent a pending preliminary injunction through “creative relabeling.”

Higher education overhaul: How GOP senators’ plan differs from House bill

The two versions agree on consolidating repayment plans and adding accountability for student outcomes, but vary in key ways.