As the federal government shutdown stretches into a fourth week, its ripple effects are disrupting colleges’ research, payroll, and financial stability. This week’s newsletter examines how campuses are coping — plus how states fund dual enrollment, shifts in public confidence in higher ed, and one community college’s surprising enrollment growth.
Monday Musings
Autonomy Under Pressure: Higher Ed Pushes Back
This week, MIT’s decision to reject a proposed federal compact tying funding to policy compliance has set off national debate about the future of institutional autonomy. Plus, we cover major developments on MSI funding cuts, admissions transparency battles, AI tools for student wellness, and the growing link between dual enrollment and CTE programs.
A federal funding deal that could cost colleges their independence
The federal administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence” could reshape higher education by tying federal funding to new political conditions. College leaders warn that the plan threatens shared governance and academic freedom, forcing institutions to choose between financial support and autonomy. This week’s edition unpacks the implications — plus key stories on international enrollment, AI in transfer credit, and student success trends.
Graduate education faces a funding crossroads as Grad PLUS loans end
The federal government’s decision to end Grad PLUS loans marks a major shift for graduate education. This week’s top stories explore what this means for access, equity, and institutional budgets—plus updates on tariffs, funding cuts, and the future of adult learners.
Shaping the Future Workforce: Higher Ed’s Role in Meeting America’s 5.3M Talent Need
A new report warns the U.S. will be short 5.3 million college-educated workers by 2032, putting higher education at the center of workforce and equity debates. In this week’s roundup, we explore the looming talent gap alongside major updates on migrant student funding, the McNair Scholars program, poverty’s role in success, and dual enrollment trends.
Funding Freezes, Budget Cuts, and the Future of College Access
This week’s higher ed news is led by the federal freeze of $660M in TRIO funding, a move that jeopardizes support for millions of students. We also cover looming FY26 budget impacts, the CHLOE 10 report on online learning, new data on socioeconomic divides in student outcomes, and the uneven impact of dual enrollment on degree completion.
