The End of Grad PLUS Loans: What It Means for Graduate Education

End of Grad PLUS Loans Will Reshape Graduate Education

The federal government has announced the end of Grad PLUS loans, a key financing tool for graduate students. Colleges are warning that this will reduce access, particularly for low-income and first-generation students, and could push many to private lenders with higher rates. Graduate programs that rely heavily on these loans may face enrollment declines, especially in professional fields like law and medicine.
Key Takeaway: The loss of Grad PLUS loans will likely deepen inequities in graduate education and strain institutional budgets.

Trump Administration Cuts Funding to Colorado Minority-Serving Institutions

Colorado collegesQuick Insight: Federal funding cuts disproportionately targeting minority-serving institutions raise concerns about access and equity in higher education. 

Tariffs on Foreign Goods Could Harm U.S. Higher Ed

New tariffs on foreign goods are expected to increase costs for colleges and universities, particularly in technology, lab equipment, and construction materials. Experts warn this could delay campus projects, raise tuition, and limit research competitiveness. International collaborations may also be strained if tariffs trigger global trade disputes.
Key Insight: Rising costs from tariffs threaten institutional budgets, research, and affordability for students.

40 U.S. Colleges Defeat Antitrust Lawsuit Over Financial Aid Practices

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against 40 elite universities accused of conspiring to inflate tuition costs by factoring in noncustodial parent income in financial aid decisions. Plaintiffs claimed this practice led to students overpaying by thousands. While dismissed without prejudice, the case could be refiled and adds to ongoing scrutiny of financial aid fairness.
Takeaway: Although dismissed, the antitrust case underscores growing legal and public pressure on elite colleges’ financial aid practices.

The Growing Importance of Adult Learners in Higher Ed

A recent opinion piece highlights that adult learners are becoming central to higher education’s future. With demographics shifting and traditional undergraduate enrollment flattening, institutions must adapt to serve working adults through flexible pathways, online programs, and career-aligned credentials. Faculty and administrators are urged to rethink student success strategies beyond the traditional 18–22-year-old model.
Quick Insight: Serving adult learners is no longer optional—it's critical for institutional sustainability and student equity.

Published: October 6, 2025