HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

August 17, 2026

An opinion editorial by ACE president Ted Mitchell and NASFAA president and CEO Melanie Storey in Inside Higher Ed highlights the importance of financial aid administrators as students deal with many of the Trump administration’s loan changes. . .Inside Higher Ed covers the Education Department’s changes to which students are eligible for uncapped student loans. . .The Boston Globe reports that colleges are launching new AI programs to prepare students with advancing tech. . .

New School Year Brings Major Financial Uncertainty for Students

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 17, 2026

ED Clarifies How Current Students Can Access Uncapped Loans

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 17, 2026

Boston-area Colleges Are Looking to Make Students ‘AI Natives’ with New Majors
Boston Globe (sub. req.) | August 16, 2026

August 14, 2026

Inside Higher Ed covers the Department of Justice’s recent decision ruling that certain programs aimed at supporting diversity in STEM fields are unconstitutional. . .NPR reports that a federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Harvard for antisemitism. . .Forbes shares a list of 50 mission-minded leaders tackling problems around the world, which includes two higher education leaders--Joan Gabel, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, and Sarah Szanton, dean of Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a coalition of unions who sued the Education Department over the new definition of a “professional” degree. . .

DOJ Declares 3 Race-Based STEM Programs Unconstitutional

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 14, 2026

Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Alleging Antisemitism at Harvard University

NPR | August 14, 2026

50 Over 50: Impact
Forbes | August 13, 2026

Unions Sue Education Department Over ‘Professional’ Degree Rule
Higher Ed Dive | August 13, 2026

August 13, 2026

Inside Higher Ed highlights that federal funding for education research will soon expire if the Education Department doesn’t spend it by the end of the fiscal year. . .Higher Ed Dive reports on a new survey that explores how students feels about leadership at their institutions. . .Politico covers efforts on the Hill to pass a discharge petition for a bill focused on reducing interest on federal student loans. . .

ED Says It Plans to Spend Millions in Expiring Research Dollars. Concerns Remain.

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 13, 2026

What Do College Students Think of Their Institutional Leaders?

Higher Ed Dive | August 13, 2026

The Student Loan Debt Fight No One Saw Coming
Politico | August 12, 2026

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