Higher Ed Drive - Dive Brief
March 03, 2026
The U.S. The Department of Education has proposed narrowing the definition of ‘professional’ students under the implementation of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). This proposal would limit higher federal loan caps to eleven specific fields. Under this proposal, students enrolled under the eleven ‘professional’ fields may borrow up to $50,000 annually, while any other student will be capped at $20,500. With Grad PLUS loans being eliminated effective July 1, 2026, institutions may see a shift in student demographics as those from lower-income backgrounds are forced toward riskier private loans or out of graduate education entirely. Higher education institutions and associations are actively advocating for its reconsideration.
Higher Ed Drive
February 05, 2026
A 1.6 million increase in FAFSA applicants has been reported for incoming students in the 2026-2027 academic year. According to the National College Attainment Network, this marks a 52% increase from last year’s applicant pool at this time. With nearly 8 million FAFSA applications processed, the Department of Education credits recent increased changes to initiatives such as the rolling out of a new user-friendly FAFSA form. With cost of attendance becoming a top factor in deciding to pursue a postsecondary education, several states have introduced FAFSA filing requirements. The introduction of new regulations as well as the efforts set in place by the Department of Education to make filing for FAFSA more accessible has allowed them to celebrate the ‘historic milestones’ achieved in student applications.
Higher Ed Drive
January 29, 2026
Policy changes across the higher education landscape are expected to continue this year, affecting operations and students. Institutions will be under intensified accreditation pressure from the federal government, potentially reshaping accreditation regulations. Ongoing Title IV investigations by the administration continue to expand. Over 2,600 federal research grants are cancelled or suspended, though funding priorities of the administration have begun to emerge. Additionally, in-state tuition rates for undocumented students have ended via executive order.
Forbes
January 30, 2026
International education is a strategic asset for American students, employers and the economy. However, the latest Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, which analyzes trends of international students and scholars in the United States and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit, affirmed what many higher education leaders are seeing firsthand. Total international enrollment in the United States increased this year, yet growth is slowing. New international student enrollment declined by 7.2% this year after holding nearly flat the year prior. Additionally, while U.S. study abroad participation has begun to rebound, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. These trends place long-term pressure on the United States talent pipeline and weaken our competitive advantage if left unaddressed.
University Business
January 15, 2026
Over the past year, total enrollment for postsecondary education increased by 1%, though international graduate student enrollment decreased nearly 6%. Although international undergraduate student enrollment continues to grow, it does so at a rate nearly 5% lower than in previous years. Additionally, enrollment patterns have recently shifted by sector and degree offerings.
University Business
January 07, 2026
The high cost of tuition at American colleges and universities is a relatively recent development. Most public colleges in the United States—and even some private ones—were originally founded as tuition-free institutions. As late as the 1960s, tuition at most state schools was either completely free or low-cost to residents. In the 1970s, a sluggish economy put a squeeze on state funding for higher education. At the same time, the advent of federal student loans shifted the burden of paying for college more heavily onto individual students and families.
Higher Ed Drive
December 08, 2025
The Education Department is raising awareness regarding what they deem to be ”low return” institutions by introducing a new feature that alerts first time FAFSA applicants if they have selected institutions whose graduates, on average, earn less than those with high school diplomas. The warning is for informational purposes and bears no impact on the FAFSA application process or eligibility determination. This initiative, live as of December 8, aims to make the college decision process more transparent as it relates to potential post-secondary outcomes.
Higher Ed Drive
November 13, 2025
The reporting requirements of four-year colleges practicing selective admissions are expected to expand in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education. This proposal would require institutions to submit the last six years of admission data. When submitting this data, information such as race, sex, as well as parental education level and GPA must be omitted. This rule is set forth to address institutional admission trends following race-based admissions under the guidance of the Supreme Court’s 2023 race-conscious practice prohibition. This new requirement raises concern on the privacy and potential misuse of student data under the current administration.
Higher Ed Drive
November 11, 2025
A new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa requests has been introduced by the current administration. This increase is substantial, as previously fees ranged from $2,000 – $5,000. Many higher education institutions across the nation rely on this community of visa holders, as H-1B visa holders are often hired to lead in research. This new established fee is applicable to new petitioners from outside of the United States. Higher education institutions have challenged this new regulation, advocating for policy changes and exemptions. Although no changes have stemmed from these actions, universities are advised to explore alternative visa options and continue advocating about the impact of this policy on education and overall economy.
Higher Ed Drive
November 11, 2025
Undergraduate enrollment has been projected to grow by 2.4% in Fall 2026, the third consecutive year of enrollment growth. This growth is highly contributed to community college and trade school enrollment. Furthermore, an increase in short term certification and associate degree enrollment has been observed. Limited notable enrollment changes have been projected for bachelor and graduate degree-seeking students.