President Speaks: 5 college leaders share how they're tackling higher ed's pressing issues

The latest posts from our regular opinion series show how schools can face challenges that will extend beyond the pandemic. 

July 8, 2021

Tenn. commission to recommend how to right underfunding at state HBCU

A recent audit found the state didn't match federal grants to Tennessee State for decades, potentially costing the school up to $544 million.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 8, 2021

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

Last fall saw 'unprecedented' drops in college persistence rates, report finds

First-year persistence rates hit their lowest levels since 2012, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 8, 2021

Fitch raises higher ed outlook but sees growing gaps between colleges

Returns to in-person instruction drive the ratings agency to upgrade the sector to stable, but revenue pressures threaten colleges unevenly.

By Rick Seltzer • July 7, 2021

Mills College alumnae sue to halt possible merger

The two plaintiffs — one of whom currently sits on the college's governing board — allege the institution has withheld key financial information.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Updated July 7, 2021

Nikole Hannah-Jones turns down UNC-Chapel Hill for Howard

The 1619 Project creator's decision follows a battle over tenure exposing faults among politics, donors, board governance and academic freedom.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 6, 2021

Massachusetts bill to boost state higher ed funding gains backing

Dozens of legislators have signed onto the measure, which would send $500 million more annually to public institutions for five years.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 6, 2021

Senate bill would create national apprenticeship college consortium

The proposal arrived just months after a Trump administration overhaul to the nation's apprenticeship system was rescinded.

By Ryan Golden • July 6, 2021

Ohio bill would effectively ban public colleges from requiring the coronavirus vaccine

Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, hasn't indicated whether he will sign the bill. It mirrors other actions states are taking to limit vaccine mandates.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 2, 2021

Ed Dept took 'unprecedented' steps when overseeing for-profit schools' sale, report finds

The agency's internal watchdog flagged several issues with the way it handled the Dream Center's failed bid to buy and run 13 colleges.

By Natalie Schwartz • July 1, 2021

Florida governor signs bill shielding colleges from coronavirus lawsuits

Students and families largely can't sue institutions — both public and private — that moved online due to COVID-19 restrictions.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 1, 2021

Georgia's college system still hasn't named a permanent chancellor. What's next?

The current head of the University System of Georgia retires Thursday. Politics has mired the hunt for his replacement.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 30, 2021

NCAA approves name, image and likeness policy

The organization moved quickly to enact the measure, as several state laws greenlighting student-athlete compensation take effect Thursday.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 30, 2021

2U to acquire edX for $800M

The company says buying the MOOC provider will make it easier to recruit students into its programs.

By Natalie Schwartz • June 29, 2021

Student perception of higher ed's value falls again, survey finds

Nearly two-thirds of respondents say college isn't worth the cost, up from half who said the same last summer.

By Natalie Schwartz • June 29, 2021

How Morehouse School of Medicine is growing the biotech worker pipeline

The historically Black institution created summer bridge programs to attract students to a sector in which diversity has long lagged.

By Chandra Thomas Whitfield • June 28, 2021

Colleges level up healthcare programs to meet growing demand

Some of the latest expansions have an eye toward interprofessional collaboration and short-term or accelerated offerings.

By Hallie Busta • June 25, 2021

Why SPACs are eyeing the education technology sector

These "blank-check" companies could expand the industry's footing on Wall Street.

By Hallie Busta • June 25, 2021

Living the student life: A glimpse into the job of a university chief experience officer

Quinnipiac's Tom Ellett has spent three decades in dorms — and he's not done yet. 

By Hallie Busta • June 25, 2021

Public support for paying college athletes split, survey says

The polling comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that players can receive education-related benefits.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 25, 2021

International students face a rocky road to campus this fall

Beyond coronavirus-related restrictions, experts say perceptions of the U.S. as unwelcoming linger, though some institutions will be more affected than others.

By Danielle McLean • June 24, 2021

Cardona pitches higher ed priorities during House grilling

Student loan debt and related regulations made up a large portion of the discussion during the virtual hearing.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 24, 2021

Colleges employed fewer hourly staff during the pandemic

Part-time workers saw the biggest decreases, according to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

By Hallie Busta • June 23, 2021

Ed Dept says it will issue a new Title IX regulation

The move was widely expected, as President Joe Biden promised to unravel the rule put forth by the former administration.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 23, 2021

Students sue Indiana U, claiming vaccine requirement is illegal

They allege the mandate is a violation of the 14th Amendment and state law. The institution says it will still enforce the rule.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • June 23, 2021