States should overhaul how they give colleges money, report says

Complete College America suggests states give institutions upfront funding to hit completion goals rather than rewarding them after they meet their targets. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 14, 2023

Colleges’ costs increased 4% in FY23

Consumer inflation outpaced the Higher Education Price Index for the second year in a row, Commonfund found.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 13, 2023

Columbia and NYU would pay millions more in property tax under new proposal

Legislators would route the additional funding to the City University of New York system, which has faced budgetary and enrollment challenges. 

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 12, 2023

Christian Brothers University to eliminate 28 faculty positions and a dozen programs

The Catholic institution's board instructed it to reduce its operating budget by $4 million after it declared financial exigency in September.

By Laura Spitalniak • Dec. 12, 2023

SUNY Fredonia to cut 13 degrees to address $10M deficit

The programs account for about 15% of the majors offered at the campus, including degrees in sociology, Spanish and early childhood education.

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 7, 2023

Fitch Ratings issues deteriorating outlook for higher ed in 2024

The credit ratings agency cited high labor and wage costs, elevated interest rates and uneven enrollment gains across the sector.

By Natalie Schwartz • Dec. 5, 2023

Fontbonne University to cut 21 academic programs, at least 18 faculty jobs

The reductions will save the Roman Catholic college in Missouri about $2.3 million in fiscal 2025.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Dec. 4, 2023

Cheyney University again on accreditation probation after comeback attempt

Financial challenges have plagued the Pennsylvania HBCU for years, leading the state to loan it tens of millions of dollars to stay afloat.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Dec. 4, 2023

Academic cuts loom at UNC Greensboro. Faculty question whether they’re needed at all.

The North Carolina college is gearing up to drop degree programs, though one analysis found it’s in sound financial shape.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Dec. 4, 2023

University of Nebraska-Lincoln proposes staff cuts to remedy $12M deficit

The state flagship also called for reduced funding for student teaching assistants and the diversity, equity and inclusion office.

By Natalie Schwartz • Nov. 27, 2023

Park University to cut 16 faculty jobs and various academic programs

The private nonprofit institution in Missouri blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for broad financial stress on the higher ed sector.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Nov. 21, 2023

GAO: Future student loan relief programs must fully address fraud risks

The Education Department approved loan forgiveness for 14 million borrowers without employing proper safeguards, the government watchdog found.

By Laura Spitalniak • Nov. 21, 2023

UW-Parkside looks to cut 50 full-time jobs, about 10% of its workforce

The reductions intend to steady the Wisconsin public college’s budget, which is stressed by demographic challenges, high costs and state funding declines.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Nov. 13, 2023

New College of Florida wants at least $400M in state funding for institutional overhaul

The small liberal arts institution will need to overcome long-term underfunding challenges to reach 1,200 students by 2028, President Richard Corcoran said.

By Laura Spitalniak • Nov. 10, 2023

Bradley University looks to cut over 20 programs and 68 faculty positions

The move comes after the president of the Illinois private nonprofit announced a $13 million budget shortfall.

By Natalie Schwartz • Nov. 8, 2023

Vermont State expects only 1 faculty layoff, but deepens program cuts

Enough instructors retired or took buyouts that the public college didn’t need to move forward with more drastic reductions.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Nov. 3, 2023

Vermont State unveils administrative and staff cuts to save $3.1M

The moves are the latest cost-cutting effort from the university, which is also looking to eliminate academic programs and reduce faculty numbers. 

By Natalie Schwartz • Oct. 31, 2023

SUNY Potsdam reduces number of academic program cuts from 14 to 9

The New York public college, which has lost significant student numbers, is looking to close a $9 million budget gap.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Oct. 26, 2023

Lesley University to lay off faculty as it phases out 4 degrees

Enrollment has tanked at the private Massachusetts institution, where the president has faced two no-confidence votes.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Oct. 24, 2023

5 surprising facts about course material affordability

How do student affordability and happier faculty connect? Read more about the hidden costs of course materials.

Oct. 23, 2023

Moody’s: Enrollment hinges on programs aligning with student interests

Subjects like computer and information sciences have attracted more students in recent years, but they can be expensive to expand and upgrade.

By Laura Spitalniak • Oct. 20, 2023

Republican lawmakers skip raises for Wisconsin university employees in DEI fight

The state's Legislature has waged a protracted battle against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at college campuses.

By Laura Spitalniak • Oct. 18, 2023

UW-Oshkosh cuts workforce by more than 200 as budget crisis unfolds

The Wisconsin public college is laying off 140 staff members, while others voluntarily resigned.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Oct. 17, 2023

Hodson Trust gives parting gift of over $100M to 2 Maryland colleges

Hood College and Washington College each received over $50 million, the largest donations in their respective histories, from the now-dissolved trust.

By Laura Spitalniak • Oct. 17, 2023

Colleges can take steps to address the affordable housing crisis

From contributing underutilized land to tapping government support, institutions can help alleviate the problem — and get a return on their investment. 

By Eric Maribojoc • Oct. 16, 2023