Hampshire College announced a sharp shortfall in freshman enrollment, admitting 168 students—56% of its 300‑student target—after rolling out a direct‑admissions model that administrators say encountered operational growing pains. President Jennifer Chrisler attributed the miss to implementation issues and an ambitious goal tied to the college’s financial sustainability; the result raises near‑term budget and program pressure on the small liberal‑arts institution. By contrast, the State University of New York is directing $14.5 million annually toward paid internships to connect more than 3,500 students with work experience tied to their majors. SUNY’s move underscores a divergent institutional focus on career pathways and experiential learning as colleges seek stronger career outcomes amid enrollment volatility.