HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

October 15, 2026

​The Washington Post shares insights into how students can manage their federal loans. . .Inside Higher Ed reports that 2.5% of students in the U.S. are enrolled in programs that may fail under the Education Department’s new accountability rule. . .Higher Ed Dive covers new data from the ACT on the percentage of students who retook the test. . .

How to Manage Student Loans Before, During and After College
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | October 15, 2026

New Earnings Test Will Have Limited but Concentrated Impact
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 15, 2026

1 in 3 ACT Test-Takers Retook the Exam — and Raised Their Scores​
Higher Ed Dive | October 14, 2026​

October 14, 2026

​Inside Higher Ed reports that five independent higher ed institutions are joining a new accreditor as founding members. . .NPR highlights new degree programs that institutions are creating to attract students and prepare them for future careers. . .Higher Ed Dive explores application essay strategies that colleges can implement that account for AI use. . .

5 Colleges Sign On as Founding Members of New Accreditor
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 14, 2026

How Colleges Are Creating Programs for a Changing U.S. Job Market
NPR | October 13, 2026

3 Admissions Experts on Why They Require — or Nixed — Supplemental Essays
Higher Ed Dive | October 13, 2026

October 13, 2026

​Inside Higher Ed reports on how the proposed changes to the 2030 census may impact tribal colleges and Native American-serving nontribal institutions. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a new report on the share of students who are influenced by a state’s politics when selecting an institution. . .Inside Higher Ed highlights efforts by public institutions in Texas to expand eligibility for guaranteed tuition. . .

How Proposed Changes to the Census Could Affect Native American Students
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 13, 2026

More Students Are Ruling Out Colleges Based on Politics, Poll Finds
Higher Ed Dive | October 13, 2026

The Expanding Reach of Free Tuition
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 12, 2026

October 9, 2026

​​The Los Angeles Times reports on the Trump administration’s latest investigations into nine universities over J-1 visas. . .Inside Higher Ed covers the Education Department’s report on institutions that have not fully submitted required student outcomes data. . .The PIE News reports on a new lawsuit from the higher ed community over the Trump administration’s new interpretation of curricular practical training. . .

White House Cracks Down on Student Visas at Stanford and Caltech, as well as Tech Work Visas
The Los Angeles Times (sub. req.) | October 8, 2026

More Than 1,000 Colleges Failed to Fully Submit Student Outcomes Data
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 9, 2026

US Associations Sue over ICE Changes to International Student Internships​
The PIE News | October 8, 2026​

October 8, 2026

The Associated Press covers the Trump administration’s new proposed fee for international students who participate in optional practical training. . .The Washington Post highlights a new lawsuit that alleges underfunding at HBCUs. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education reports on a new plan in New York to expand access to community colleges. . .

Trump Administration Proposes a $70,000 Fee for International Students to Work in the US​
The Associated Press | October 7, 2026

HBCUs Are Underfunded. A Legal Effort Starting in Missouri Seeks to Fix It
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | October 7, 2026

More New Yorkers Can Now Get Free Community College Even if They Already Have a Degree
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | October 7, 2026

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