HEADLINES: Top Higher Education News for the Week

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 | 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’ responses 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 visa like H1-B 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​​​​​

September 15, 2026

​​​​​​​The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s policy ending duration of status. . .The Washington Post explores advice from parents on helping their children pay for college. . .Inside Higher Ed covers a new bill in Congress that was introduced this week that would cap the number of international student athletes playing in varsity college sports. . .

Federal Rule Sharply Limiting Student Visas Is Blocked in Court​

The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | ​September 14, ​2026​​​

Scholarships, 529 Plans and More: Parents Share Tips on Paying for College
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | September 15, 2026​​​​​

Republican Bill Aims to Cap Numbers of International Student Athletes
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | September 15, 2026​​​​​

September 14, 2026

Inside Higher Ed highlights what international students must know as the end of duration of status officially begins. . .Higher Ed Dive covers the financial consequences of the IRS proposal that would enable the Trump administration to revoke the tax-exempt status of colleges. . .The New York Times reports on how political factors and other influences are playing a role in how universities develop their core curriculum. . .

5 Things to Know About New International Student Visa Limits

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

IRS Tax Plan Could Imperil College Finances, Moody’s Says
Higher Ed Dive | September 11, 2026​​​​​

What Should Be Essential Learning at College? It’s Getting More Political.​
The New York Times (sub. req.) | September 14, 2026​​​​​​

September 11, 2026

Inside Higher Ed highlights the new ACE Pulse Point survey which dives into higher ed leaders’ concerns about their institutions and the sector amid significant policy changes. . .The Washington Post reports on the challenges that borrowers may face under the Trump administration if they don’t exit the SAVE repayment plan. . .Inside Higher Ed reports on wins that colleges and universities are experiencing as the new academic year kicks off, such as local partnerships and enrollment increases. . .

Senior College Leaders Experiencing ‘Heightened Uncertainty’

Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | ​September 11, ​2026​​​

Student Loan Payments Will Soar if Borrowers Don’t Act Soon, But Glitches Abound
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | September 11, 2026​​​​​

The Enrollment Wins of 2026​
Inside Higher Ed (sub. req.) | September 11, 2026​​​​​​

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