FAFSA completion rate for class of 2026 highest on record

After the rocky rollout of a new form a little over two years ago, the simplified version is bearing fruit, according to the National College Attainment Network.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 15, 2026

In an AI-driven world, the most important skills are still human

As artificial intelligence grows, the real question is how to develop essential skills to thrive in the new information environment.

By Eric Townsend • May 11, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Campus Facilities

Physical security measures, renovation backlogs, sustainability and financing all come into play when the spotlight turns to college and university campuses.    

By Higher Ed Dive staff

Why NYU and SUNY are teaming up to measure higher ed reforms

The joint Higher Education Design Lab will test initiatives against real student outcomes and generate evidence about what works, what doesn’t and why. 

By Linda G. Mills and John B. King Jr. • May 7, 2026

Smith College faces Title IX probe over policy of admitting trans students

The U.S. Department of Education is taking aim at the decade-old policy at the women’s college following a civil rights complaint from a conservative group.

By Laura Spitalniak • May 5, 2026

67% of high school graduates opting against college cite cost-of-living concerns, poll finds

New survey data from EAB suggests “a growing emphasis on immediate economic needs,” a report from the consultancy said.

By Laura Spitalniak • May 1, 2026

ABA settles claim alleging diversity scholarship fund harmed White students

The American Bar Association said the agreement preserves its “unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and trusted justice system.”

By Ryan Golden • April 30, 2026

Education Department finalizes rule tightening federal student lending

The agency kept a contested definition of “professional” student that excludes fields like graduate nursing and physical therapy from higher loan caps.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 30, 2026

Students sue Brown University, say lax building security enabled shooting

The institution had no access control in a building in which a former student opened fire, killing two and injuring nine, lawsuits allege. 

By Robert Freedman • April 29, 2026

Recent grads are settling for jobs they plan to leave, research shows

As the job market gets tighter, more people say they entered the workforce using any available foothold rather than waiting for their dream job.

By Lara Ewen • April 24, 2026

Nebraska joins DOJ effort to end in-state tuition for undocumented students

The Republican-led state could become the fourth to side with the Trump administration in court to successfully roll back these benefits.

By Natalie Schwartz • April 22, 2026

AI is remaking the workforce. How can colleges ensure students thrive?

Skills training and public-private partnerships are key in a rapidly changing job landscape, higher ed leaders said this week at the annual ASU+GSV Summit.

By Laura Spitalniak • April 16, 2026

COVID remote learning put drain on college enrollment

The percentages of students completing the FAFSA, taking the ACT or signing up for the first year of college fell in 2020-21, NBER data shows.

By Anna Merod • April 10, 2026

Gallup: Gen Z growing more negative toward AI

Most respondents expressed concern that AI designed to speed up tasks would "make learning more difficult.”

By Natalie Schwartz • April 10, 2026

Per-student state funding for higher ed dips for first time in years

Enrollment gains at public colleges surpassed increases in state and local support in the 2025 fiscal year, according to an annual report. 

By Natalie Schwartz • April 9, 2026

Colleges ramp up offerings to teach students to be AI ethicists

Institutions are teaching students how to know when artificial intelligence is biased, when it could threaten privacy and when it is just plain wrong. 

By Kate Rix • April 7, 2026

University of Missouri cuts designated funding for student affinity groups

The university's Legion of Black Collegians called the cuts "calculated steps to push minority students further away" from the center of campus life.

By Laura Spitalniak • April 6, 2026

DOJ lawsuit dismissed over Minnesota tuition and aid laws for undocumented students

The Trump administration has sued seven states over policies allowing undocumented students to receive in-state tuition at public colleges.

By Laura Spitalniak • March 30, 2026

Portland Community College reaches tentative deal with striking union staff

The college has been remote since March 11, the beginning of a work stoppage that has also delayed the beginning of spring classes by a week.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 26, 2026

Average net tuition down when adjusted for inflation, Brookings data shows

The findings stand "in stark contrast to the public’s perception,” report author Phillip Levine said.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 25, 2026

University of Alabama students sue over suspended magazines

Plaintiffs say the university’s cancellation of two publications over their focus on women and Black audiences violated the First Amendment.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 24, 2026

University of North Texas to cut or merge over 70 academic programs

The public university is merging two departments and shedding degrees, minors and certificates to address a $45 million deficit. 

By Natalie Schwartz • March 20, 2026

Entry-level jobs should be entry level

A director of undergraduate career services at the University of Iowa contends that misleading job posts are losing employers smart and motivated applicants.

By Cindy Meis • March 19, 2026

Oregon State hikes tuition over 6% for new students amid budget gap

Trustees at the public university approved the increase Friday in the face of a $14 million budget shortfall.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 16, 2026

Black students are the fastest growing demographic for Common App

Data suggests "no meaningful deviations" from previous trends after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending race-conscious admissions.

By Naaz Modan • March 13, 2026

The hidden cost of the textbook tax

Textbook costs and the hidden institutional levers to improve college affordability.

March 2, 2026