HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

August 25, 2026

Politico reports on how the Trump administration’s new H1-B visa fee will not apply to colleges and nonprofit hospitals. . .Inside Higher Ed covers the proposed regulations at the Education Department and the National Science Foundation that would align their grants process with the proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance. . .The New York Times highlights changes in college admissions policies that reflect universities’ concerns about issues like AI and politics. . .

Colleges Dodge Trump’s $103K H-1B Visa Fee

Politico (sub. req.) | August 24, 2026

Agencies Move to Implement OMB’s Proposed Takeover of Grant Making
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 24, 2026

College Applications Are Changing Again, Thanks to A.I. and Politics
The New York Times (sub. req.) | August 24, 2026

August 24, 2026

The Associated Press reports on the rise in popularity of 3-year degree programs. . .Inside Higher Ed covers testimony submitted by 15 colleges and universities in a lawsuit explaining how the rule ending duration of status is impacting their campuses as the academic year starts. . .The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration is recommending removing the American Bar Association’s ability to accredit law schools. . .

3-Year College Degrees Grow More Popular in the US, Saving Time and Cash. But Critics Aren’t Sold

The Associated Press | August 20, 2026

How New Visa Limits Are Already Affecting Colleges
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 20, 2026

Trump Administration Attacks Bar Association’s Power to Accredit Law Schools
The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) | August 19, 2026

August 21, 2026

The Washington Post covers a report from the Common App that demonstrates a 6% increase in the number of students who used the platform to apply to colleges and universities. . .Inside Higher Ed highlights the decline in international applications to U.S. institutions according to the Common App report. . .The New York Times reports on how the Trump administration’s changes to federal student loan repayments are negatively impacting some borrowers. . .

College Applications Are Up, Despite Questions About Higher Education

The Washington Post (sub. req.) | August 20, 2026

International Applications Dropped 10% This Year
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 20, 2026

They Were Paying Their Student Loans. Then the Rules Changed.
The New York Times (sub. req.) | August 19, 2026

August 20, 2026

The Wall Street Journal covers trends in admissions and acceptance rates and explores how demographic changes could impact schools. . .Higher Ed Dive reports on the Education Department’s proposed rule to align the accreditation system with the Trump administration’s policy agenda. . .The Hill highlights that some universities are letting students make tuition payments using mobile payment apps. . .

America’s Colleges Are Hurtling Toward an Enrollment Cliff

The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) | August 20, 2026

Education Department Proposes Accreditation Overhaul
Higher Ed Dive | August 19, 2026

Universities Opening Tuition Payments to PayPal, Venmo
The Hill | August 19, 2026

August 19, 2026

An opinion piece in The New York Times contends that Trump administration regulations are aimed at restricting student voting and related campus activities. . .Inside Higher Ed highlights the Education Department warning institutions that they must submit student outcomes data or risk access to federal loans and grants. . .The Associated Press reports on the Department of Defense order for certain universities to review their foreign academic partnerships. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a coalition of groups filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration's rule ending duration of status. . .

What Does the Trump Administration Have Against the 26th Amendment?

The New York Times (sub. req.) | August 19, 2026

42% of Colleges Haven’t Fully Submitted Required Student Outcomes Data
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | August 19, 2026

Pentagon Orders Audit of 30 Universities’ Partnerships with Foreign Institutions
The Associated Press | August 18, 2026

Coalition Sues Trump Administration Over 4-Year Student Visa Cap
Higher Ed Dive | August 18, 2026