HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

September 22, 2026

Inside Higher Ed covers how higher ed associations have been responding to the Trump administration’s proposed rule to change accreditation. . .Inside Higher Ed reports on how apprenticeships with some college instruction can fast track students’ access to Workforce Pell Grants. . .Higher Ed Dive reports that California has passed a law that will expand 4-year degree offerings at community colleges. . .

Higher Ed Groups Push Back on Trump’s New Accreditation Rule​​​​

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | September 22, 2026

How Apprenticeships Can Help Colleges Access Workforce Pell
​Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | ​September 22, ​2026​​​​

California Governor Signs Laws to Expand 4-Year Degrees at Community Colleges
Higher Ed Dive | September 21, 2026​​​​​

September 21, 2026

​​​The New York Times reports that the Trump administration is drafting an executive order that would put the NIH portfolio of awards under the purview of a new external committee. . .​​Inside Higher Ed reports how significant changes to the federal student loan program are beginning to impact students. . .Forbes covers proposed changes to accreditation and why students and families should care about the issue. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights how new Workforce Pell Grants are being slowly rolled out at universities across the country. . .

White House Moves to Take Control of N.I.H. Grants

The New York Times (sub. req.) | September 20, 2026

Under New Loan Limits, Students Struggle to Finance Final Year
​Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | ​September 21, ​2026​​​​

The Accreditation Fight Over Who Controls Higher Education
Forbes | September 19, 2026​​​​​

Workforce Pell’s Slow Rollout​
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | September 18, 2026​​​​​​

September 18, 2026

Inside Higher Ed covers a new class action lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health for changes to the grant screening process. . .The Chronicle of Higher Education reports on the Trump administration’s communications and relationship with the higher ed community while attempting to curb foreign influence. . .The PIE News focuses on ACE’s latest Pulse Point survey and the concerns that senior higher ed leaders have regarding international students, federal funding, and more. . .

Researchers Accuse NIH of Viewpoint Discrimination in New Class Action Lawsuit

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | ​September 18, ​2026

Are Foreign Ties Just the Latest Excuse to Punish Colleges?
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | September 17, 2026​​​​​

International Student Declines Hit US College Revenues, Survey Finds
The PIE News | September 17, 2026​​​​​

September 17, 2026

Higher Ed Dive covers new data released from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center that shows an increase in high school graduates who enrolled in college. . .Inside Higher Ed reports that some HBCUs have experienced a record increase in applications and enrollment in recent years. . .Business Insider highlights how institutions are adjusting their student aid packages to eliminate potential debt for students. . .

College Enrollment Rate Among Recent High School Graduates Ticks Up​

Higher Ed Dive | ​September 17, ​2026​​​

Many HBCUs Thrive as Other Institutions Struggle to Enroll Enough Students
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | September 17, 2026​​​​​

The Number of Colleges Getting Rid of Student Debt is Growing
Business Insider | September 16, 2026​​​​​

September 16, 2026

​Inside Higher Ed points to higher ed leaders’ resp​onses to ACE’s Pulse Point survey when reporting on how accreditation changes may impact campuses. . .Higher Ed Dive covers a new rule proposed by DHS that would eliminate the 60-day grace period for holders of nonimmigrant visas like H-1B visas and student visas. . .Politico reports that the Protect College Sports Act has advanced through the Senate. . .

Will Trump’s Accreditation Revamp Force Campus Changes?

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | ​September 16, ​2026

DHS Proposes End to 60-Day H-1B Grace Period, Calling it a ‘Burden’
Higher Ed Dive | September 16, 2026​​​​​

College Sports Bill Moves Forward in Senate with Democratic Support​
Politico | September 15, 2026​​​​​

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