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

Explore the Trendline➔

Enrollment and Retention

A look at the pandemic's continuing impact on enrollment and how colleges can ensure students stay on course.

By Higher Ed Dive staff

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

Week in review: UChicago slashes deficit in half to $160M

We’re rounding up last week’s stories, from the college completion rate holding steady to Northwestern University cutting a deal with the federal government. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 8, 2025

Higher education faces ‘deteriorating’ 2026 outlook, Fitch says

A shrinking pipeline of students, uncertainty about state and federal support, and rising expenses could all hurt college finances, according to analysts.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 5, 2025

What would education’s omission as a ‘professional degree’ mean?

Without that designation, graduate or doctoral students would be limited to borrowing $100,000 for their programs. 

By Anna Merod • Dec. 5, 2025

George Mason faculty urge leaders to reject Trump deals risking ‘institutional autonomy’

A Wednesday resolution from the faculty senate argued that the university's board and president should not put it under "continuing federal supervision.”

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 4, 2025

[Podcast] EdTech Evolution

Explore how digital tools are transforming accessibility and engagement in today’s evolving higher ed landscape.

By Higher Ed Dive's studioID • Dec. 4, 2025