HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

July 7, 2026

Inside Higher Ed covers the higher ed community's response to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed updates to the federal grantmaking process. . .Higher Ed Dive shares updates on leadership changes at institutions across the country. . .The New York Times reports that universities are admitting fewer students to doctoral programs largely due to concerns about federal funding cuts. . .

Comments Flood OMB Proposal to Cement Political Control of Grants

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | July 7, 2026

Spelman College, Notre Dame of Maryland Get New Presidents

Higher Ed Dive | July 7, 2026

Decline of Ph.D. Admissions Could Imperil a ‘Generation of New Talent’

The New York Times (sub. req.) | July 6, 2026

July 6, 2026

Inside Higher Ed shares how religious institutions may be impacted by the Education Department’s new accountability measure. . .The Los Angeles Times reports on how graduate loan limits are impacting students and universities thinking about the upcoming academic year. . .The Wall Street Journal highlights that students are pursuing alternatives to traditional internships to get ahead in the tech industry. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a lawsuit against the Education Department and the Office of Management and Budget over withheld funds for education research, data collection, and program support. . .The Wall Street Journal reports on the expansion of Pell Grants to workforce training and the programs that are currently eligible. . .

In Final Earnings Test, Some Religious Colleges Get Reprieve, but Concerns Remain

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | July 6, 2026

New Federal Caps on Graduate School Loans Send Students and Colleges Scrambling

The Los Angeles Times (sub. req.) | July 6, 2026

Forget Wall Street. Elite Students Are Spending Their Summers on Startup Dreams.

The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) | July 5, 2026

Education Groups Sue for Access to Nearly $2B in Research Funds

Higher Ed Dive | July 2, 2026

The Toolbelt Generation Can Now Get Federal Aid for Trade School.

The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) | July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Inside Higher Ed shares what institutions across the country are doing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. . .Higher Ed Dive explores the changes to the list of professional degrees and highlights that some education degrees still were not included. . .Inside Higher Ed covers a new initiative launched by six HBCUs that expands course access and lets student take classes across institutions without losing progress towards their degrees. .

Colleges Reflect on 250 Years of American History, Warts and All

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | July 2, 2026

‘Professional Degree’ List Is Expanded. But Education Still Didn’t Make the Cut.

Higher Ed Dive | July 2, 2026

6 HBCUs Launch Course-Sharing Partnership

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | July 2, 2026

July 1, 2026

The Washington Post dives into decisions by two judges to strike down the administration’s PSLF restrictions that would have taken effect on July 1. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education covers Under Secretary Nicholas Kent’s remarks at NASFAA’s annual conference. . .Higher Ed Dive reports on ETS’s acquisition of ACT and their plans to continue operating it as a mission-focused organization. . .

Judges Strike Down Trump’s Restrictions on Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants

The Washington Post (sub. req.) | June 30, 2026

Trump’s Top Higher-Ed Official Touts Some of the ‘Biggest Changes in Financial-Aid History’

The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | June 30, 2026

ETS Acquires ACT, Consolidating Two Testing Giants

Higher Ed Dive | June 30, 2026

June 30, 2026

The Washington Post dives into the new federal student loan rule that ties higher ed institutions' federal loan access to the earning power of graduates. . .NPR highlights how Pell Grants have been opened up to help pay for short-term workforce programs, but many programs don’t qualify. . .The Associated Press covers a federal judge blocking part of the Trump administration’s rule determining which degrees are eligible for students to take out higher federal student loan amounts. . .Higher Ed Dive reports on Virginia and Ohio working together to design 3-year degree programs. . .

Financial Aid Shift to Hit Low-Wage Fields Like Religion, Cosmetology and Arts

The Washington Post | June 30, 2026

Federal Money for Workforce Training Begins, But Few Programs Qualify

NPR | June 30, 2026

Nursing Gains ‘Professional’ Label for Student Loans After Judge’s Ruling, But Theology Now Dropped

The Associated Press | June 29, 2026

Virginia and Ohio Join Effort to Design 3-Year Bachelor’s Degrees

Higher Ed Dive | June 29, 2026