Getting a degree pays off, but graduates don't benefit equally, report finds

The Postsecondary Value Commission's new framework examines earnings premiums across demographics. 

By Natalie Schwartz • May 12, 2021

Boosting student experiences in a low-contact, COVID-conscious campus

Returning to campus in 2021 demands new ways of engaging, serving and protecting students.

May 10, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Student Engagement

Colleges focus on retention with a variety of steps designed to keep students committed to staying in school and completing their education.

By Higher Ed Dive staff

How community colleges are bringing hands-on training closer to home

Two-year schools are opening new sites and looking to partners to help provide training to remote and underserved communities.

By Charlotte West • May 7, 2021

How colleges can ensure this year's high school graduates aren't left behind

Community college enrollment in particular took a hit last fall. Proactive outreach can help recoup those losses and keep students on track.

By Kelly Field • May 3, 2021

How UNC Charlotte is bringing transfers in and stop-outs back

The university's 49erNext and 49er Finish programs provide a template for expanding enrollment while offering a suite of support services.

By Sharon L. Gaber • April 19, 2021

Thriving post-pandemic: What's next for digital teaching and learning?

Three themes stand out that guide how institutions may consider the use of digital tools and technologies to ensure student success.

April 19, 2021

What other states can learn from Michigan about serving adult students

Lawmakers and colleges there have been instituting policies that remove financial barriers for this often-overlooked population.

By Natalie Schwartz • April 16, 2021

Internships 'somewhat in flux' as employers make reopening decisions

Employers reconfigured, delayed and even canceled their programs last year. How they revive those offerings is expected to vary widely.

By Ryan Golden • April 15, 2021

A switch to test-optional led to modest gains in underrepresented students: study

However, new research on use of the policy at 99 private colleges indicates that it alone won't yield "transformative" change.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • April 13, 2021

Student-centered experiences propel innovation

Learn about the three sources of innovation institutions can pursue based on the most critical stakeholders in higher education — students.

April 12, 2021

New Jersey pilots partnership to help residents earn free credit at 3 colleges

Nonprofit course provider Modern States will cover fees for the first 1,000 College-Level Examination Program exams.

By Hallie Busta • April 7, 2021

Employers say college grads lack needed skills, but that could be changing, survey finds

A higher ed group's annual poll of business leaders shows variation by their age, and that students are getting better at talking about what they learned.

By Hallie Busta • April 6, 2021

Virginia establishes tuition-free community college for high-demand fields

The governor's office estimates the program will benefit 36,000 state residents.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 30, 2021

How one nonprofit wants to help colleges teach soft skills

Education Design Lab worked with around a dozen colleges on a new microcredentialing platform it hopes will guide schools in unbundling degrees.

By Natalie Schwartz • March 11, 2021

No 'quick turnaround in sight': Report finds enrollment losses continue

Early data shows declines this spring, with steeper drops among undergraduates at public four-year institutions.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • March 11, 2021

As colleges stare down declining demographics, now is the time to support adult learners

Schools may need to rethink their approaches in order to reach these students, writes Becky Klein-Collins, of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.

By Becky Klein-Collins • March 4, 2021

Census: Degree attainment was climbing pre-pandemic

Equity gaps persist, however, according to a new report looking at the share of adults with at least a bachelor's degree over a 15-year period.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Feb. 24, 2021

Nonprofit taps 7 rural colleges to improve student success

Achieving the Dream will help the schools develop reforms and examine whether the efforts improved learner outcomes.

By Natalie Schwartz • Feb. 18, 2021

The pandemic is weighing on students' mental health: survey

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State used data from 47,000 students to examine where the crisis is hitting the hardest.

By Hallie Busta • Feb. 17, 2021

For colleges, $7B in federal broadband aid highlights extent of digital divide

The latest round of coronavirus relief puts a "down payment" on improved connectivity, but school leaders say more help is needed. 

By Danielle McLean • Feb. 16, 2021

ACE details how colleges can attract and assist international students amid new pressures

The group points to declining enrollment among the critical group as reason for institutions to coordinate and strengthen their outreach and support initiatives.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Feb. 12, 2021

Elite colleges are extending their test-optional policies

Most four-year institutions already did away with entrance exams for the fall 2021 admissions cycle.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Jan. 29, 2021

Number of undergraduate college degrees, certificates stalls: report

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center attributes the stagnation to the pandemic, though it notes growth in stackable credentials.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Jan. 28, 2021

College faculty are 'exhausted,' concerned pandemic is widening equity gaps: report

A recent survey of more than 850 introductory-course instructors highlights issues facing wider adoption of online learning.

By Hallie Busta • Jan. 27, 2021

Community colleges dropped test scores for class placements amid pandemic: report

Researchers examined several schools and systems that moved away from using standardized exams to determine college readiness.

By Natalie Schwartz • Jan. 20, 2021