Enrollment
Higher Ed Dive Trendline on Enrollment and Retention
Overall international student enrollment at U.S. universities remains stable, but new enrollment has already declined. The Trump administration's tightened visa and immigration policies, coupled with the social climate, are prompting universities to adjust recruitment strategies. Experts recommend diversifying source countries and offering flexible enrollment options to address uncertainty.
Cornell, MIT and others can appeal class action status in antitrust case
The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that Cornell University, MIT, and five other elite universities may appeal the class certification in the antitrust lawsuit, with the appeal limited to whether the district court's analysis of expert testimony was sufficient. Previously, potential damages in the case rose from $100,000 to at least $1.7 billion due to class certification.
International applicant numbers tumble on Common App
A report released by Common App on Thursday shows that international first-year applications for the 2025-26 cycle fell 10% compared to the previous cycle. Asian applicants decreased by 11%, with India recording a 15% drop, serving as the main drag. Among the top 10 countries by application volume, 9 saw declines, with only Kenya growing by 30%. Overall applications from Africa fell 17%, with Nigeria down 21%. Meanwhile, domestic U.S. applications grew 4%, pushing total applications up 2%. Analysts suggest that the Trump administration's visa restriction policies and visa appointment shortages at some embassies are potential contributing factors.
Coalition sues Trump administration over 4-year student visa cap
A coalition of higher education groups and unions has sued the Trump administration to block a new rule capping student visas at four years, arguing it replaces a flexible system with rigid fixed admission periods and violates statutory procedures.
University of Nebraska board approves cutting programs with low enrollment
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the elimination of multiple academic programs across its system, including bachelor's degrees in ethnic studies and insect science at the Lincoln campus, due to persistently low enrollment and graduation rates that failed to meet state requirements. The decision, made Thursday, also affects graduate programs at Kearney and Omaha campuses, and follows a series of budget-driven cuts last year.
Bipartisan group of senators introduces bill to ban legacy admissions
Bipartisan senators reintroduced the Merit-Based Admissions Reform and Institutional Transparency Act (MERIT Act) last week, aiming to prohibit colleges from giving preferential treatment to children of alumni or donors in admissions through the accreditation mechanism. Although similar legislation has not advanced previously, controversy over admissions fairness has intensified following the Supreme Court ruling.
Sonoma State to relaunch NCAA athletics after budget cuts eliminated sports
One year after canceling its sports programs due to a budget crisis, Sonoma State University announced it will reinstate 10 Division II sports programs for the 2027-28 academic year, joining the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The university, which faced protests and lawsuits over cuts to athletics and academic programs, now plans to use a one-time $8 million state infusion and student fee revenue to resume operations.
S&P: Despite enrollment gains, margins have worsened at colleges
A report released this week by S&P Global Ratings indicates that enrollment at both public and private universities increased in fiscal year 2025, yet operating margins deteriorated. The median full-time equivalent enrollment at public institutions grew by 2.1%, higher than the 0.7% at private institutions; however, the median operating margin for private institutions fell to -0.4%, negative for the third consecutive year, while public institutions remained at 0.7% but declined from the previous year. The report also highlights divergence between public flagship universities and regional institutions, as well as tuition discounting and competitive pressures faced by private institutions.