9 higher ed trends to watch in 2019

We looked back at 2018 and ahead to the new year to determine where college leaders can expect to focus their attention in the coming months.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 7, 2019

For-profit trade group urges Democrats to ease takeovers of troubled colleges

Colleges' inability to get federal aid in bankruptcy makes it hard for healthy operators to take over struggling ones, CECU's Steve Gunderson contends.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 7, 2019

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

Federal court orders Maryland to settle 13-year legal battle with HBCUs

A coalition of alumni contend program duplication in the state has undermined the ability of its four HBCUs to recruit and draw a diverse pool of students. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 7, 2019

Paying public college presidents more may not boost funding

A new study finds top executives' big paychecks do not yield increased revenues for the college, as some otherwise expect.

By James Paterson • Jan. 7, 2019

Ed Department's draft accreditation rules loosen oversight

The proposal also drops the credit hour definition and gives colleges more flexibility to define their own programs.

By Hallie Busta • Jan. 7, 2019

Kenyon College adds diversity efforts to tenure, promotion guidelines

The small liberal arts institution's step to reward inclusion work highlights its importance at a time when it goes largely unrecognized in higher ed.

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 4, 2019

Amid sexual misconduct scandal, Dartmouth seeks to end 'abuse of power'

The college's undertaking of an external review of its campus culture follows a lawsuit that alleges it failed to address sexual misconduct complaints.

By Hallie Busta • Jan. 4, 2019

Career Education settles 5-year inquiry over marketing practices

The for-profit operator agreed not to collect on nearly $500 million owed by students following allegations it used misleading recruiting tactics.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 4, 2019

UVA's College at Wise wants to lower tuition for Appalachian students

If approved, the change would more than halve tuition for out-of-state students from elsewhere in the mostly rural region and potentially boost revenue. 

By James Paterson • Jan. 4, 2019

More than 60 colleges back lawsuit against ‘unlawful presence’ policy

They argue the policy creates uncertainty and makes it easier for international students to inadvertently lose status and be barred from the U.S.

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 3, 2019

For-profit National American University exits Nasdaq

A fresh bet on online growth didn't stop the for-profit operator's drift into penny stock, which follows years of declining revenue and profits. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 3, 2019

U of Rhode Island to add 3 'innovation' campuses

The trio of projects follow similar efforts by other universities to bring industry and academia together for economic development.

By Hallie Busta • Jan. 3, 2019

Justice Dept. backs conservative group in U of Iowa lawsuit

The agency contended the university isn't protecting students' First Amendment rights and vowed to crack down on other colleges. 

By James Paterson • Jan. 3, 2019

Shop class is back, ready to tackle the construction skills gap

Immigration enforcement has left Texas' construction industry with a lack of skilled workers, and stakeholders are calling on schools to help.

By Riia O'Donnell • Jan. 3, 2019

Special counsel: MSU stonewalling Nassar investigation

A damning report from the attorney general's office found the university is unnecessarily complicating the probe, despite pledges to fully cooperate.

By James Paterson • Jan. 2, 2019

10 compelling education long reads from 2018

We rounded up some of our favorite stories of the year that highlight the everyday people who make or are affected by the big decisions in education. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 21, 2018

Our best higher ed stories of 2018

We're looking back at some of our most popular stories of the past year that offer a snapshot of shifts underway at colleges across the country.

By Education Dive Staff • Dec. 21, 2018

After Midwest for-profit Vatterott's closure, colleges line up to take on students

The chain's closure, the second this month, was so abrupt that some students found out by word of mouth or had belongings locked inside a campus.

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 21, 2018

Report: Most board members think the public has a positive view of higher education

However, other recent studies show less favorable views and perceptions of political bias among U.S. adults.

By James Paterson • Dec. 21, 2018

Texas community college enrollment 'bucked' trend in strong job market

Population growth and dual-enrollment participation prevented the expected drop-off in students, Moody's reports.

By Hallie Busta • Dec. 21, 2018

US college completion rate climbs to 58%

Although six-year completion rates are rising across the board, significant differences among several groups persist.

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 20, 2018

DeVos tells higher ed leaders the industry is 'due for a rethink'

The Ed secretary laid out her department's priorities ahead of the federal negotiated rulemaking session on accreditation that begins next month.

By Hallie Busta • Dec. 20, 2018

How Amazon HQ2's arrival is kicking a higher ed expansion into gear

A stronger tech talent pipeline was central to Virginia's winning bid for the e-commerce giant's new headquarters. But university officials say the project has bigger implications.

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 20, 2018

After building spree, college maintenance spending hits 11-year high

Investment in existing buildings reached nearly $5 per gross square foot in 2017 and could rise further even as colleges struggle to grow revenue, a new report finds.

By James Paterson • Dec. 20, 2018

Ed Dept. watchdog to review ACICS approval

In response to pushback from congressional Democrats, the department's Office of Inspector General is investigating the agency's contentious decision.

By Hallie Busta • Dec. 20, 2018