HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

August 12, 2026

Inside Higher Ed reports on how a drop in international student enrollment during the upcoming academic year will impact the economy. . .Inside Higher Ed interviews Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, on his time leading the organization and his upcoming retirement. . .The Washington Post covers new research that demonstrates a decline in delinquencies for student loans. . .ABC News explores a new pilot grading program at the University of Michigan that will impact freshman in select programs. . .

Loss of International Students Could Cost Economy $3.4B

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 12, 2026

Departing UNCF President Reflects on HBCU ‘Renaissance’

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 12, 2026

Student Loan Delinquencies Starting to Stabilize, New York Fed Says
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | August 11, 2026

University of Michigan Changes Grade Policy for Some Freshmen Ahead of School Year
ABC News | August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

Higher Ed Dive covers a new report that examines where students work after graduating. . . Inside Higher Ed highlights how universities can approach deferred maintenance costs while facing financial pressures. . .The Washington Post reports the Trump administration will be updating a federal website that lists scholarships to align with the president’s priorities. . .

Most 4-Year Graduates Work in Same State as Their Alma Mater, Report Finds

Higher Ed Dive | August 11, 2026

Deferred Maintenance Backlog Is ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ for Higher Ed

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 11, 2026

Trump Administration Takes Aim at Website Listing Diversity Scholarships
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | August 10, 2026

August 10, 2026

Higher Ed Dive covers colleges and universities announcing they will reintroduce standardized testing requirements for students enrolling next fall. . .Inside Higher Ed provides insights into the Education Department’s recent Call to Action letter and what institutions should consider when responding. . .The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the recent accountability rule and the Trump administration’s broader efforts to combat higher ed institutions. . .R&D World reports on NSF’s decision to narrow its anti-discrimination rules for federal grant recipients by eliminating disparate-impact standards. . .

Elite Colleges Are Returning to the SAT and ACT. Will Others Follow?

Higher Ed Dive | August 10, 2026

How Should Leaders Respond to McMahon’s Letter?

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 10, 2026

Opinion | Should Democrats Campaign for More English Lit Majors?
The Philadelphia Inquirer (sub. req.) | August 9, 2026

NSF Narrows Anti-Discrimination Rules in Grantmaking Process
R&D World | August 7, 2026

August 7, 2026

Inside Higher Ed reports on what institutions and states are doing to maximize the new Workforce Pell Grant program. . .Forbes highlights recent efforts by colleges and universities to offer eligible incoming students free tuition based on first-year status or family income. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a model bill released by a conservative think tank to codify many of the proposals in the higher education compact from last year. . .

States Wrestle With Data and Program Tweaks to Access Workforce Pell

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

Boston University Is Latest To Join The Free Tuition Arms Race

Forbes | August 7, 2026

The Heritage Foundation Releases Sweeping Model Bill to Overhaul Higher Ed
Higher Ed Dive | August 7, 2026

August 6, 2026

Inside Higher Ed reports on Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy’s (R-LA) efforts to pass the College Transparency Act and the bill’s growing support. . .WHO13 covers the announcement that Iowa will be the first state to participate in the new Workforce Pell Grant program. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education explores how AI-detection tools are being implemented in higher ed and what concerns professors may have about certain tools. . .Higher Ed Dive highlights a new analysis on how the Trump administration’s new cap for international students visas at four years could hurt institutions. . .

Cassidy Eyes Final Push to Pass College Transparency Act

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

Iowa Launches Nation’s First Workforce Pell Grant Program for EMT Students

WHO13 | August 5, 2026

To Catch AI Cheating, Turnitin Wants to Monitor Students’ Keystrokes
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | August 5, 2026

Fitch: New Visa Limits Could Hurt International Enrollment and Revenue
Higher Ed Dive | August 5, 2026