HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

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

October 7, 2026

Politico reports on the Trump administration’s new proposed rule at the IRS that would establish rules aimed at DEI activities on campus and could result in private institutions losing their nonprofit tax-exempt status. . .The Boston Globe covers a lawsuit from higher ed associations challenging the Trump administration’s changes to the requirements for Curricular Practical Training. . .Fast Company highlights a brief from ACE and Pearson on ways institutions can support non-traditional learners as they pursue a degree. . .

Colleges Seek Answers Amid Trump Push to Cancel Tax Exemptions Over Diversity Programs​
Politico | October 7, 2026

Higher Ed Leaders Sue Trump Administration Over Limitations on International Student Internships
The Boston Globe (sub. req.) | October 6, 2026

A New Back-to-School Focus on Non-traditional Learners​
Fast Company | October 6, 2026

October 6, 2026

​​​Inside Higher Ed covers a report from the Department of Education that shows the national cohort default rate has risen. . .Higher Ed Dive highlights some of the top higher education conferences in the coming year, including ACEx2027. . .Roll Call reports on the Protect College Sports Act’s potential challenges in the House. . .

As National Default Rate Stays Low, Other Data Offers Warning
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 6, 2026

Top Higher Education Conferences in 2027
Higher Ed Dive | October 6, 2026

Employee Question Could Stall Senate College Sports Bill at Midfield in House
Roll Call | October 5, 2026

October 5, 2026

​The Washington Post reports on ​challenges that borrowers who are in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program have faced. . .The Boston Globe shares an interview with Paul LeBlanc on the future of higher ed in the era of artificial intelligence. . .NPR covers how one community college is preparing students to fill data center roles. . .​

Thousands of Public Servants Are Stuck Waiting for Student Loan Forgiveness
​​The Washington Post (sub. req.) | October 5, 2026

Opinion | ‘Gen Z Has a Hunger for It’: Higher Ed’s Opportunity for Renewal
The Boston Globe (sub. req.) | October 3, 2026

How Community Colleges Are Evolving to Fill Local Data Center Jobs​
NPR | October 3, 2026

October 2, 2026

Inside Higher Ed covers a new report on researcher mobility between the United States, Europe, and China. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights a recent trend for large universities to establish campuses in southern Florida. . .Higher Ed Dive reports that the Department of Homeland Security is appealing a ruling that paused the duration of status rule, a proposal changing how long international students are allowed to stay in the United States, before it began to take effect. . .

‘Sharp’ Fall in Research Mobility Between E.U., U.S. and China​
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | October 2, 2026

Why Are Name-Brand Colleges Heading to Florida?
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | October 1, 2026

DHS Appeals Decision Blocking 4-Year Cap on Student Visas
Higher Ed Dive | October 1, 2026​

​​​

ACE Op-Eds

Letters to the Editor