latest developments in U.S. higher education as of May 12, 2025

Paier College (Connecticut): After 79 years, Paier College has permanently closed due to financial instability and loss of accreditation. Students were informed that the school would not reopen following the cancellation of the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. CTPost
University of Wisconsin System: Multiple branch campuses, including UW–Oshkosh's Fond du Lac and Fox Cities campuses, as well as UW–Milwaukee's Washington County and Waukesha campuses, have announced closures due to declining enrollment and financial challenges. San Francisco Chronicle+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
College of Saint Rose (New York): The College of Saint Rose held its final commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024, and ceased operations by the end of December 2024, citing years of declining enrollment and financial difficulties. Wikipedia

Project 2025 Initiatives: The Trump administration's Project 2025 proposes significant changes to higher education, including dismantling the Department of Education, reducing federal oversight, and shifting control to states. The plan also suggests eliminating programs like Title I and Head Start, and cutting funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Times
Accreditation Overhaul: There are concerns that the administration may target accrediting agencies, potentially replacing them with new ones aligned with its values, which could affect the quality and independence of higher education institutions. The Guardian

Endowment Tax Increase Proposal: The House GOP is considering increasing the tax on wealthy college endowments from 1.4% to as high as 14% or 21%, which could significantly impact institutions relying on endowment returns for scholarships and operations. AP News
Student Loan Policy Changes: Senator Elizabeth Warren is challenging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to defend policies that may adversely affect student-loan borrowers, including the dismantling of the Department of Education and elimination of affordable repayment plans. MarketWatch+2Business Insider+2Time+2

Visa Restrictions Impact: New visa restrictions have led to a significant drop in international student enrollments, with a 24% decrease in study visa applications over the past year. This decline is contributing to financial deficits for many universities that rely on higher tuition fees from international students. The Times

U.S. News & World Report 2025 Rankings: The latest rankings have been released, with Princeton University retaining the top spot among national universities, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University.

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