More states and the federal government are aligning on making sure that programs eligible for government dollars do no harm to the students who enroll.

According to a recent survey, 53.1% of private institutions and 57.6% of public institutions reported increases in new funds committed, while 55% of private institutions and 63.7% of public institutions saw gains in funds they received.

A new study suggests weather during campus visits can influence whether students apply to a college, with rainy or very hot tour days linked to fewer applications. Researchers say the findings are limited but highlight how campus experiences can shape enrollment decisions.

Standardized tests are returning at some elite colleges while more than 1,800 schools remain test-optional, creating a confusing two-tier system. At the same time, AI is increasingly reviewing applications and international interest in U.S. colleges is declining.

States are advancing new mandates that would increase oversight of public universities, targeting admissions, curriculum, tenure and accreditation. The measures could significantly change how campuses operate.

States and colleges are showing renewed interest in three-year bachelor's degrees as a way to lower costs and speed graduation, with Massachusetts recently approving pilot programs. Support from accreditors and policymakers is helping fuel the trend.

Executive order 2026-07 ends new lifetime tenure at Oklahoma's regional universities, moving new hires to renewable contracts tied to performance and workforce needs while protecting current tenured faculty.

A National Science Foundation-backed consortium is positioning community colleges as a central pipeline for the nation's applied AI workforce. Led by Miami Dade College, the effort helps colleges quickly launch industry-aligned AI programs.