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Education
U.S. Colleges Cut Jobs During Financial Strain
Multiple U.S. colleges announced job and program cuts in May 2026 to address budget deficits. Officials cited declining state funding, falling enrollment, and rising costs as key factors.
Latest in Education
Trump Education Department Cuts Funding For DEI Programs
The Trump administration's Education Department withheld federal funds from school districts over DEI initiatives like Chicago’s Black Student Success Program. Officials cited laws against race-based discrimination, while critics say the move undermines civil rights protections.
Hazelden Betty Ford Launches Alternative Admissions Pathway
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School introduced a program admitting students to its master’s program without a bachelor’s degree. The school considers work experience and personal background instead of traditional academic requirements.
Ballotpedia Survey Finds Rural School Board Challenges
Ballotpedia surveyed 670 U.S. school board members in March 2026. Rural members reported less communication, minimal media coverage, and fewer threats than urban or suburban counterparts.
NACUBO Reports 54.5% Discount Rate for New Undergraduates
The National Association of College and University Business Officers reports a 54.5% tuition discount rate for first-time undergraduates in 2024–25. Kara Freeman says discounting remains vital for enrollment and financial sustainability.
Lawsuits Challenge Education Department Loan Limits
Two lawsuits filed May 19 challenge the U.S. Education Department’s new loan eligibility rules for graduate students. Plaintiffs argue the agency overstepped its authority by narrowing which programs qualify for higher federal loan caps.
Horvath's Book Challenges Ed Tech in Schools
Jared Cooney Horvath's book 'The Digital Delusion' links declining test scores to student device use. It has influenced school policies and parent advocacy groups nationwide.
U.S. Redirects MSI Funds to Strengthening Institutions Program
The Education and Labor Departments cancel 2026 MSI grants and shift $300 million to the Strengthening Institutions Program. Officials say SIP better aligns with workforce needs, but critics argue the change disadvantages minority-serving colleges.
UC Professors Call to Reinstate SAT/ACT for STEM Applicants
Over 800 University of California professors signed a letter urging UC leaders to restore SAT/ACT requirements for STEM applicants. They cited severe math preparation gaps, with some students needing middle-school-level instruction in college courses.
Alger to Step Down as American University President
Jonathan Alger will step down as American University president on June 30, 2026. He will take a new national fellowship focused on democracy and higher education.
Effie Lions Foundation Launches Voices of the Future Fellowship
The Effie Lions Foundation starts an eight-month fellowship training 12 students in marketing, leadership, and AI. The program includes a Cannes Lions festival trip and paid apprenticeships at global agencies and brands.
STARS College Network Doubles Colleges With $150M Gift
The STARS College Network expands from 16 to 32 colleges after receiving $150 million from Byron Trott's foundation. The network aims to increase rural student recruitment at selective institutions including Brown and MIT.
Study Shows Decade-Long Decline in U.S. Reading Scores
A study by Harvard and other scholars finds U.S. reading scores declined over ten years with slight recovery in few states. The study links changes in instruction methods to recent score improvements.
Robbins Says AI Could Cut 60 Percent of Professors
Hollis Robbins argues AI will force universities to reduce faculty by 60 to 70 percent. She urges professors to prove expertise beyond AI to keep their academic roles.
ShinyHunters Breaches Instructure's Canvas Platform Again
ShinyHunters hacked Instructure's Canvas, disrupting access to school materials and grades. Universities and schools nationwide responded by monitoring the situation and providing alternate instructional arrangements.
Education Department Investigates Smith College Admissions Policy
The U.S. Department of Education investigates Smith College for admitting transgender women under Title IX. The inquiry follows a complaint by Defending Education about potential sex-based discrimination at the Massachusetts college.
Researchers Find No Academic Gains From School Phone Bans
The National Bureau of Economic Research study found phone restrictions lowered student phone use without improving test scores or attendance. The study also showed suspensions increased shortly after the phone bans were introduced.
McMahon Defends Education Budget and Reorganization Plans
Linda McMahon defends Trump administration's Education Department budget and reorganization before Senate panel. She pledges to maintain student equity and expresses openness to adjust proposed civil rights office cuts.
NEA Reports 3.5% Rise in U.S. Teacher Salaries in 2024–25
The National Education Association reports a 3.5% increase in average public school teacher salaries for 2024–25. NEA President Becky Pringle highlights ongoing challenges despite pay raises after inflation adjustments.
ZipRecruiter Finds One in Five U.S. Graduates Regret Majors
ZipRecruiter reports that about 20% of recent U.S. college graduates regret their major choice. Nursing graduates earn the highest median salary and secure jobs sooner than others, the report states.
US Universities Launch New Centers to Study Antisemitism
Several U.S. universities establish academic centers and programs focused on studying and combating antisemitism. These initiatives include donations, new hires, and specialized programs at NYU, Baruch College, Emory, and Washington.
Justice Delays Digital Accessibility Compliance Deadlines One Year
The U.S. Department of Justice postpones digital accessibility deadlines for public entities under the ADA by one year.
Smith Named 2026 National Teacher of the Year
Leon Smith receives the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award for his inclusive teaching approach. He has taught history and African American studies at Haverford High School for 25 years.
American Library Association Lists Most Challenged Books in 2025
The American Library Association reports 4,235 unique book challenges at U.S. libraries in 2025. Nearly 93% of challenges came from officials and pressure groups, with most attempts targeting public and school libraries.
Top facts in Education
- Trump Education Department Cuts Funding For DEI Programs 0 facts
- Hazelden Betty Ford Launches Alternative Admissions Pathway 0 facts
- Ballotpedia Survey Finds Rural School Board Challenges 0 facts
- NACUBO Reports 54.5% Discount Rate for New Undergraduates 0 facts
- Lawsuits Challenge Education Department Loan Limits 0 facts