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Education Dept. presents Workforce Pell draft: eight‑week programs targeted
The U.S. Department of Education released draft regulatory language outlining how short‑term workforce training programs could qualify for the new Workforce Pell Grants. The draft specifies state...
Education Dept. reshuffle prompts lawsuits — states and Democrats push back
The Trump administration’s moves to shrink and redistribute functions of the U.S. Department of Education have triggered lawsuits, calls for Secretary Linda McMahon’s resignation, and widespread...
Universities accept Trump agreements — oversight tradeoffs emerge
Several major universities have reached settlement agreements with the Trump administration to end investigations and restore frozen research funds, a tactic that has drawn sharp debate about...
Yale braces for layoffs — $300M endowment tax forces belt‑tightening
Yale University told faculty and staff it expects layoffs as it prepares to pay roughly $300 million a year under a new higher endowment tax that takes effect in 2026. Senior leaders said schools...
Rating agencies flag higher‑ed credit risk: 2026 outlook turns negative
Three major rating agencies—Fitch, S&P Global and Moody’s—issued negative outlooks for U.S. higher education credit in 2026, citing declining enrollment, caps on federal loan programs, visa and...
Cost becomes graduate‑enrollment gatekeeper — adult learners balk at price
A new survey of more than 8,000 current and prospective graduate and adult learners found cost is now the top factor in program choice, surpassing accreditation. The EAB report shows 60% of...
MacKenzie Scott directs $155M to public colleges — MSIs and access schools prioritized
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced more than $155 million in gifts to public, access‑oriented institutions this week, delivering record single donations to campuses that serve large shares...
Interior to manage tribal college funds — leaders warn of disruption
As the Education Department shifts programs to other federal agencies, the Department of the Interior will take over management of tribal college funding—prompting warnings that the change could...
FTC tells Texas court ABA holds 'monopoly' on law‑school accreditation
The Federal Trade Commission told the Texas Supreme Court that the American Bar Association operates as a de‑facto monopoly in law‑school accreditation, arguing ABA standards impose costly and...
Purdue scholar rejects MLA prize over Gaza policy — academic protest escalates
Tithi Bhattacharya, a history professor at Purdue University, formally declined the Modern Language Association’s Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for South Asian Studies in protest of the MLA’s...
Universities cut deals with Trump – research funds restored
Northwestern, Columbia, Brown, Cornell and Penn have each struck settlement agreements with the Trump administration to unfreeze federal research funds and end federal investigations, trading...
Education Department fragmented – states sue, McMahon targeted
The Biden‑era Department of Education has been substantially reorganized under Secretary Linda McMahon, prompting lawsuits and bipartisan outcry as core programs and staff are shifted to other...
George Mason faculty urge leaders: reject Trump compacts
George Mason University’s faculty senate voted to press campus leadership and trustees to reject any settlement with the Trump administration that would subject the university to prolonged federal...
Yale readies layoffs – $300M endowment tax looms
Yale University announced it is preparing for workforce reductions and austerity measures as it braces for roughly $300 million in annual endowment taxes beginning in 2026. Senior university...
Ratings firms warn: higher‑ed credit picture darkens for 2026
Three major credit‑rating agencies—Fitch, S&P Global and Moody’s—issued negative sector outlooks for U.S. higher education for 2026, citing declining enrollment, reduced federal support, new...
MacKenzie Scott gives $155M – public colleges get lifeline
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced a new wave of unrestricted gifts totaling more than $155 million to public, access‑oriented and minority‑serving colleges, including $50 million each to...
NIH open‑access rule strains researchers, publishers
New NIH requirements to make funded research immediately accessible to the public have prompted complaints about financial strain and publishing disruption. Scientists say the policy’s accelerated...
Interior takes over tribal college oversight – leaders warn of disruption
The Education Department’s decision to transfer oversight of tribal college funding and programs to the Department of the Interior has raised alarm among tribal college leaders, who say the move...
Cost becomes gatekeeper for graduate enrollment – EAB survey
A new EAB survey of over 8,000 current and prospective graduate and adult learners found cost of attendance now tops program selection criteria, with 60% of prospective students saying they would...
Higher ed announces wave of new college presidents
Several colleges and universities announced presidential appointments across public and private institutions ahead of 2026 academic cycles. Notable transitions include David Cook named president...