Week in review: Trump scores legal victory on anti-DEI orders

We’re rounding up recent news, from the U.S. Department of Justice suing Harvard University to the latest figures on college endowment returns. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Feb. 16, 2026

Week in review: Duke lacks justification for cuts, audit says

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from Princeton University tightening its belt to Oklahoma moving to eliminate tenure at most public colleges. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Feb. 9, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Emerging Technology

As higher ed deals with enrollment declines and other challenges, colleges need to consider how increased and changing use of technology affects students and campus finances. 

By Higher Ed Dive staff

‘Shifting, false, and nonsensical’: Former Texas A&M professor sues over firing after viral video

Melissa McCoul alleged the university violated her First Amendment rights by succumbing to political pressure to terminate her over her course content.

By Laura Spitalniak • Feb. 5, 2026

Trump signs $79B education funding bill into law

The fiscal 2026 budget measure will fund the agency through Sept. 30, giving it about $217 million above the prior year’s funding level.

By Kara Arundel • Feb. 3, 2026

Week in review: Navigating ‘relentless’ college leadership roles

We’re rounding up recent stories, from two states targeting H-1B hiring at public colleges to a plan to rewrite accreditation regulations.

By Natalie Schwartz • Feb. 2, 2026

Virginia AG searches for university general counsels to counter ‘federal overreach’

Attorney General Jay Jones is looking for in-house lawyers for three colleges to “fight back” against the Trump administration’s “politically-motivated assaults.”

By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 27, 2026

How college leaders decide when to speak out

College presidents at the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ annual conference advised others to look to their mission as their North Star.

By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 27, 2026

Week in review: A look back at higher ed under Trump 2.0’s first year

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from pushback against President Donald Trump’s government in court to the latest congressional budget moves.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 26, 2026

Trump 2.0’s impact on higher ed: The first year in 8 numbers

A chaotic 2025 brought dozens of federal college probes, thousands of revoked international student visas, and billions in threatened research funding.

By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 20, 2026

Week in review: A controversial chancellor’s $1.1M payout

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from the fight over in-state tuition for undocumented Virginia students to the Trump administration’s legal battles.

By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 12, 2026

What the 2026 salary report reveals about retention risk in higher ed marketing

New salary data highlights growing retention risks for higher ed marketing teams.

Jan. 12, 2026

3 major policy changes college leaders should keep tabs on

During the Council of Independent Colleges’ annual conference, higher education experts discussed new laws and regulations coming down the pike.

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 9, 2026

6 higher education trends to watch in 2026

With a new year comes new enrollment challenges, shifting federal policies and increased pressure on college leaders to stand up for their institutions.

By Laura Spitalniak , Natalie Schwartz , Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 8, 2026

10 stories from 2025 we wish we had written

We’re rounding up some of the phenomenal education reporting we saw last year — from sources other than Higher Ed Dive.

By Laura Spitalniak • Jan. 6, 2026

How campus fleets can optimize every dollar

Real-time visibility is the key to smarter, more cost-effective campus fleets.

Jan. 5, 2026

Cancellation of mental health grants ruled unlawful

A federal judge required the Education Department to reinstate the grants in 16 states and barred the agency from issuing new priorities for the programs. 

By Kara Arundel • Dec. 23, 2025

Week in review: Trump expands travel ban

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from Coursera’s plans to acquire Udemy to more cuts at two Catholic colleges.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 22, 2025

State AGs launch third lawsuit seeking to stop Trump’s H-1B fee

The plaintiffs allege that public colleges, schools and healthcare systems all could be harmed by a $100,000 fee on new visas.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 17, 2025

Week in Review: Public college systems eye — and make — academic cuts

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from two Oregon universities seeking a merger to another year of high inflation for higher ed.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 15, 2025

Willamette University and Pacific University seek to merge

The two private nonprofits in Oregon said Thursday that they intend to create "the University of the Northwest," with one state official voicing support.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 11, 2025

7 in 10 employers have high confidence in higher ed, survey finds

The AAC&U-Morning Consult findings contrast with recent polling showing large shares of adults are questioning whether college is worth the cost.

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 11, 2025

EEOC opens claims process in $21M Columbia University settlement

The agency alleged the university engaged in a pattern or practice of harassment against Jewish employees since at least Oct. 7, 2023.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 10, 2025

Pell Grant program faces up to $11B annual budget shortfall

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated that expanding eligibility for the grants to short-term programs will add major new costs. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 10, 2025

Education Department adds ‘lower earnings’ warning to FAFSA

The agency will warn students when they’ve indicated interest in a college whose graduates have relatively low incomes.

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 8, 2025

Oklahoma regents vote to cut 41 ‘low-producing’ academic programs

The state coordinating board also moved to suspend another 21 programs across Oklahoma's public institutions.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 8, 2025