Higher Ed Drive
December 08, 2025 Student Success, Value and Affordability
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 11, 2025 Student Success, Value and Affordability
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
October 25, 2025 Student Success, Value and Affordability
A recent study from the University of Arkansas found only 9 of the 1,584 U.S. colleges could be classified as “equity engines”. This classification applies to institutions where at least 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and among those, 55% graduate within six years. The exclusivity of U.S. colleges leaves many low-income students lacking equitable access to college. The study recommends expanded investment in colleges that may be close to fulfilling the established “equity engine” qualifications. Institutions more generally must also be willing to undergo institutional changes that embrace shared and equitable learning opportunities.
Inside Higher Ed
October 07, 2025 Student Success, Value and Affordability
College students often underestimate the cost of attending college. Only about 27% of students claim to fully understand the expenses and costs associated with tuition, housing, and other fees. Students share that these costs and other unanticipated costs could impact their active enrollment at collegiate institutions. Although institutions can often offer emergency aid and other financial support to students, many are unaware of these resources. The survey in this article highlights the current disconnect between available institutional support efforts and student knowledge and awareness. Cost transparency and improved communication efforts can assist with student retention related to financial matters.
Inside HigherEd
September 10, 2025 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
Despite anticipated enrollment challenges, many colleges and universities throughout the United States are celebrating record-breaking enrollment this fall. Driven by initiatives such as dual enrollment, a growing interest in health sciences, and access to online education, institutions across the nation are witnessing the impact of their investments in strategic enrollment initiatives. Institutions like the University of Minnesota Rochester are highlighted in their successful prioritization of initiatives aimed at enrolling and retaining their students beyond the first year. These results underscore the importance of institutions adapting to meet the needs, demographics, and expectations of the incoming generation of students.
HIGHER ED DIVE
November 15, 2024 Pre-College Outreach, Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
The House of Representatives recently passed the FAFSA Deadline Act, requiring the U.S. Department of Education to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form annually available by October 1. This policy would take effect for the 2026-27 FAFSA. The bill received overwhelming support after initially being rejected by a majority of house lawmakers. The bill seeks to allow users to complete the FAFSA form without experiencing complications in order to receive access to timely financial aid.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
October 17, 2024 Student Success
Approximately 2,182 higher education institutions within the 50 states were surveyed regarding graduation outcomes for 4-year and 2-year degree seeking students. A cohort of students starting their 4-year degree in 2016 and a cohort of students starting their 2-year degree in 2019 were selected. The survey monitored the number of students within the cohort who transferred out and who were still and no longer enrolled.
Inside Higher Ed
September 24, 2024 Student Success
Each year college students stop out of higher education institutions due to financial, academic, and mental health challenges. Most students that stop out report not being aware of student support services available to assist them. In response, higher education institutions are actively working to increase student awareness of the support services that can assist with student persistence and completion rates. Recommendations include streamlining communication via email or text, increasing awareness of all resources available, addressing student safety, and considering the role of financial aid.
The Washington Post
August 28, 2024 Admissions, Student Success
The Chronicle of Higher Education
October 02, 2023 Student Success, Value and Affordability
A recently announced national initiative plan has more than 360 colleges agreeing to make their financial aid packages more transparent. This includes a mix of public, private and for-profit institutions. About a third of the institutions participating have 40% or more students who were awarded Pell grants. Over half of the colleges, on average, awarded less than $5,000 to first-time students.