Wisconsin lawmakers decline to expand free college program

A proposal would have let students from households earning $60,000 or less per year attend University of Wisconsin System campuses tuition free.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Updated July 28, 2021

Virginia higher ed funding is inequitable and needs reform, report says

One think tank is criticizing public colleges for taking big shares of state dollars without enrolling many low-income students.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 21, 2021

FAFSA completions down nearly 5%, report says

The National College Attainment Network said the data could indicate more enrollment declines for the coming academic year.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 19, 2021

Pennsylvania system board votes to merge 6 institutions into 2

The plan intends to correct PASSHE's declining enrollment and unsteady finances, though it attracted bitter faculty and staff opposition.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 14, 2021

President Speaks: Colleges must do more to close the gender gap in financial fluency

The head of Barnard College at Columbia University explains how her institution is improving women's financial literacy on campus. 

By Sian Beilock • July 12, 2021

Drop standardized test scores from rankings, higher ed groups tell U.S. News

A dozen organizations and individuals say including the SAT and ACT in the publication's list methodology worsens inequalities.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • July 12, 2021

Senate bill would create national apprenticeship college consortium

The proposal arrived just months after a Trump administration overhaul to the nation's apprenticeship system was rescinded.

By Ryan Golden • July 6, 2021

Is online campus counseling here to stay?

College officials have come to see the advantage of remote services and expect to use a mix of teletherapy and in-person sessions going forward.

By Kelly Field • June 11, 2021

How the national test-optional experiment played out at US colleges

The pandemic accelerated the trend, upending conventions of postsecondary admissions going forward.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Updated June 9, 2021

Senate drops short-term Pell proposal from Innovation and Competition Act

The measure would have let students use the grants for programs as short as eight weeks.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Updated June 9, 2021

How can colleges support students with children?

An analysis of existing data plus new polling shows where they struggle and offers ideas for how to help.

By Hallie Busta • May 26, 2021

Rhode Island one step closer to permanent free college

The Rhode Island Promise guarantees up to two years of free tuition for some community college students.

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • May 26, 2021

Report highlights ongoing inequities in college access

New data shows high shares of historically underrepresented students attending lower-spending and less-competitive schools.

By Hallie Busta • May 20, 2021

UNCF launches coaching program to bring back 4,000 stopped-out students

The initiative aims to help people who left one of nine historically or predominately Black colleges finish their credentials.

By Natalie Schwartz • Updated May 19, 2021

Guided pathways improvements lead San Antonio College to the Aspen Prize

The biennial awards program highlights community colleges whose practices improved student success and are replicable.

By Natalie Schwartz • May 18, 2021

New initiative enlists students to rethink higher ed's problems

Six public colleges are soliciting input from learners to help design and develop student success programs.

By Hallie Busta • May 17, 2021

Kentucky colleges are going beyond teaching students the soft skills employers want

Institutions are embedding these competencies into the curriculum and helping students learn how to talk about them.

By Aaron Thompson • May 14, 2021

Getting a degree pays off, but graduates don't benefit equally, report finds

The Postsecondary Value Commission's new framework examines earnings premiums across demographics. 

By Natalie Schwartz • May 12, 2021

Boosting student experiences in a low-contact, COVID-conscious campus

Returning to campus in 2021 demands new ways of engaging, serving and protecting students.

May 10, 2021

How community colleges are bringing hands-on training closer to home

Two-year schools are opening new sites and looking to partners to help provide training to remote and underserved communities.

By Charlotte West • May 7, 2021

How colleges can ensure this year's high school graduates aren't left behind

Community college enrollment in particular took a hit last fall. Proactive outreach can help recoup those losses and keep students on track.

By Kelly Field • May 3, 2021

How UNC Charlotte is bringing transfers in and stop-outs back

The university's 49erNext and 49er Finish programs provide a template for expanding enrollment while offering a suite of support services.

By Sharon L. Gaber • April 19, 2021

Thriving post-pandemic: What's next for digital teaching and learning?

Three themes stand out that guide how institutions may consider the use of digital tools and technologies to ensure student success.

April 19, 2021

What other states can learn from Michigan about serving adult students

Lawmakers and colleges there have been instituting policies that remove financial barriers for this often-overlooked population.

By Natalie Schwartz • April 16, 2021

Internships 'somewhat in flux' as employers make reopening decisions

Employers reconfigured, delayed and even canceled their programs last year. How they revive those offerings is expected to vary widely.

By Ryan Golden • April 15, 2021