Ed Dept backs off CARES grant eligibility guidance — sort of

A change in how the department is determining which students qualify for emergency aid has raised new questions.

By Hallie Busta • Updated May 22, 2020

Colleges could lose $3B from international enrollment declines this fall

The sector has spent massive sums supporting these students through the pandemic, a new report finds.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 22, 2020

U of California eliminates SAT, ACT as admissions requirement

The move by one of the most influential public systems in the U.S. deals a massive blow to testing operators.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Updated May 21, 2020

Where did all the for-profit college commercials go?

Ad spending fell by nearly half a billion dollars over a four-year period, tracking enrollment declines at for-profit institutions, a new report finds.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 21, 2020

College tuition discounts climb as revenue uncertainty looms

Net revenue and enrollment were down before the pandemic, finds new data from the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

By Hallie Busta • May 20, 2020

Colleges pull back tuition increases as pressure to manage costs mounts

Students and advocates were already pushing for lower rates, and the current crisis amplifies their concerns.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 20, 2020

Most US colleges expect international enrollment will decline, survey finds

Though schools are trying to make it easier for foreign students to return or enroll, many believe the pandemic will keep them from campus. 

By Natalie Schwartz • May 19, 2020

Will lawsuits for tuition refunds succeed? It depends, experts say

Colleges may be able to undercut the legal challenges by arguing against class-action status, but they can't make students return to campus.

By Lorelei Laird • May 19, 2020

Ed Dept extends online education flexibilities to year end

The agency's latest guidance continues leeway for colleges to use distance education, but some say it should require more reporting.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 18, 2020

Uncertain when campuses can open, colleges make their fall plans flexible

By splitting up courses and preparing for online classes, some schools hope to make the term easier to adapt as the public health situation changes.

By Alia Wong • May 18, 2020

The value of automation in higher education's back office

How smart technologies like AI and machine learning help universities save and simplify.

May 18, 2020

How has the pandemic affected college instructors' view of online learning?

A small group of surveyed educators is divided on whether remote education is an effective tool colleges can use after the crisis.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 15, 2020

U of Wisconsin's consolidation critics fear cuts to its regional colleges

Leaders of one university rebuked the system's latest proposal, which highlights these institutions' vulnerabilities amid the pandemic.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 15, 2020

President Speaks: Government relief won't be enough for higher ed. 'We must save ourselves'

Colleges should band together in this challenging time to make college more accessible, not less, writes the head of a small New England university.

By Michael Alexander • May 14, 2020

What's Next: Will the pandemic dampen interest in tuition benefit programs?

Before COVID-19, employers were leaning into free or heavily subsidized education benefits. We look at how the crisis could affect demand.

By Hallie Busta • May 14, 2020

California State U is staying online for fall. Will the rest of higher ed follow?

While many schools are tentatively planning to start the academic year in-person, the nearly 500,000-student system said it will be largely remote.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 14, 2020

Interstate group mulls contentious changes to state oversight of online colleges

NC-SARA has tabled several proposals that would determine how much states can regulate branch campuses within their borders.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 13, 2020

House Democrats' relief bill sets aside $37B for higher ed

The proposed $3 trillion package gives the sector far more than previous legislation but is already getting pushback from Republican lawmakers.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 13, 2020

FAFSA renewals down year-over-year, adding more uncertainty for fall

Nearly 5% fewer students have reapplied for federal student aid, with students from low-income families accounting for most of the decrease.

By Hallie Busta • May 12, 2020

How to survey college students about the shift online

Experts recommend moving quickly and asking open-ended questions to get the best data on how the spring term went and what changes are needed.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 12, 2020

U of California president recommends system end SAT, ACT in admissions

Janet Napolitano has proposed the tests be phased out over five years and replaced with a different entrance exam.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 12, 2020

How 3 small colleges in turnaround mode are adapting to the pandemic

Leaders from Hampshire, Goddard and St. John's colleges share how the crisis is affecting ongoing efforts to revamp their operations.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 11, 2020

Higher ed's top lobbyist discusses coronavirus, Congress and changes ahead

A national emergency "pretty much obliterates the future," says Terry Hartle, of the American Council on Education. Here's what he's focusing on.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 11, 2020

Making your campus feel like home

Whether it’s speeding up the delivery of family-sent packages or providing more dining options, every effort to create a campus environment that feels like home encourages students to stick around and complete their degrees.

May 8, 2020

How colleges are helping undocumented students in uncertain times

The absence of federal relief for this group and a pending Supreme Court decision on key protections have their futures in the U.S. in question.

By Kelly Field • May 7, 2020