From changes to the Carnegie Classifications system to further cuts at Vermont State University, here are the top-line figures from some of our biggest stories of the week.
By the numbers
70
The minimum number of research doctoral degrees a university must award to be eligible for R1 status under the new Carnegie Classifications system debuting in 2025. Colleges vying for R1 also will need to spend at least $50 million in research and development.
33
The number of full-time administrative and staff positions the financially struggling Vermont State University plans to cut to shave $3.1 million off its annual budget. However, the university also said this week it will only lay off one faculty member after 17 took buyouts.
$37.7M
The fine that the U.S. Department of Education levied against Grand Canyon University this week. The agency alleged the large Christian university falsely advertised the cost of its doctoral programs to over 7,500 students. The department treats Grand Canyon as a for-profit for Title IV federal student aid purposes, although the IRS considers it a nonprofit.
95%
The share of California Faculty Association’s members who voted last week to authorize a strike. The group — which represents some 29,000 California State University employees — has asked the system for a 12% general salary increase. Cal State has countered with a 5% pay bump.
$7.2M
The payment the U.S. Department of Education said it will withhold to one of its loan servicers, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. The agency said it was holding on to the money because Mohela didn’t deliver bill notices on time to some 2.5 million borrowers.
