State Policy

  • A student walks into a campus building at UT-Austin.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    UT System makes it easier to shutter programs, fire faculty

    Under rules passed by the system’s board, university presidents can axe programs without faculty input and cut professors with limited appeal avenues.

    By • May 21, 2026
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    Students, alumni sue to block Kentucky State University overhaul

    Converting the historically Black university into a polytechnic institution violates Kentucky’s desegregation commitments, plaintiffs argued this week.

    By • May 13, 2026
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    DOJ revives fight against Minnesota’s in-state tuition for undocumented students

    The Trump administration is taking its lawsuit against the Democrat-led state to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

    By • May 5, 2026
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    State lawmakers eye accreditation policy changes as new agency forms

    Recent laws and proposals could make it easier for public colleges to leave their accreditors for the nascent Commission for Public Higher Education. 

    By Danielle McLean • April 30, 2026
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    Michigan State, University of Michigan face over 60% cut under state funding bill

    The two universities would each lose over $200 million under a House proposal one college official described as “shortsighted and harmful.”

    By • April 23, 2026
  • Jim Pillen speaks into a microphone.
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    The image by Matt Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    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 • April 22, 2026
  • Seven people in business suits and shovels scooping up dirt and smiling at the camera.
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    Courtesy of Eduardo Leal (TGA)/Office of the Texas Governor
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    Texas A&M breaks ground on $226M semiconductor R&D facility

    The project stems from a 2023 Texas law meant to help colleges develop semiconductor programs.

    By Sara Samora • April 20, 2026
  • A close up of Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    Kentucky lawmakers override veto on bill easing faculty terminations

    Under the legislation, public colleges will be able to let go of professors for “bona fide financial reasons,” including if programs have low enrollment. 

    By • April 17, 2026
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    The image by John Phelan is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
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    Anna Maria College flagged as closure risk by state

    Massachusetts’ higher education department said it can’t confirm the institution “has sufficient resources to be able to sustain operations at current levels.”

    By • April 16, 2026
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    raclro via Getty Images
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    Texas Tech System to nix programs focused on sexual orientation and gender identity

    The move is just the latest instance of Texas public higher education leaders moving to curb instruction on topics related to sex and gender. 

    By • April 13, 2026
  • Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly speaks at a podium.
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    Michael B. Thomas via Getty Images
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    Kansas governor signs bill to curb race-related instruction at public colleges

    The legislation will prohibit public institutions from requiring “DEI-CRT” courses, which will be up to the Kansas Board of Regents to define. 

    By • April 10, 2026
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    The image by Dirk DBQ is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Iowa State plans to cut or merge 23 programs after mandated review

    The state’s board of regents last year directed public universities to look at low-enrollment programs and recommend closures.

    By • April 10, 2026
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    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 • April 9, 2026
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    The image by Finetooth is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
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    Southern Oregon University gets $15M lifeline from the state

    The public institution was facing a looming cash crunch. Now it needs a plan to balance its budget and operate in the future without increased state help.

    By • April 8, 2026