Latest news with #Grades


Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How Trump's visa crackdown is pushing 16 US colleges toward financial collapse
Why 16 US colleges could collapse under Trump's foreign student visa crackdown As the Trump administration intensifies restrictions on international student visas, a growing number of financially vulnerable US colleges are facing a dire threat to their survival. The new policy measures, framed as a response to campus antisemitism and national security concerns, have halted key visa appointments and blocked access for students from more than ten countries, placing colleges heavily reliant on foreign tuition in an existential crisis. According to Forbes, 16 private nonprofit US colleges are particularly exposed. Each of these institutions enrolls at least one-third of their students from overseas and derives over half of their operating revenue from tuition and fees. Many already scored C+ or lower on Forbes' most recent financial health rankings, a signal that they were struggling even before the visa policy changes. Foreign students as a financial lifeline Colleges such as St. Francis in Brooklyn have turned to international enrollment as a revenue strategy. After years of deficits, St. Francis closed fiscal 2023 with $66 million in net income, largely from the $160 million sale of its main campus and deep budget cuts—including scrapping its Division I athletics program and laying off staff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Still, auditors remain skeptical about its long-term viability, with an endowment of only $46 million, or $16,409 per full-time student, Forbes reported. In just one year, St. Francis nearly tripled its international student headcount—from 465 to 1,289—mainly through graduate programs. In a June 2024 audit, university officials stated that international enrollment had become 'a significant source of revenue growth," as quoted by Forbes. But with student visas now under strict federal control, this key strategy is in jeopardy. Colleges caught in a tightening policy vise The Trump administration's new executive order bans visa issuance to individuals from 11 countries including Iran, Libya, and Yemen. This comes alongside the State Department's recent pause in F-1 and J-1 visa appointments. The consequences could be catastrophic for institutions like Harrisburg University and Hult International Business School, where more than 75% of students are international. Both schools received a D in Forbes' 2025 Financial Grades. Other colleges like Manhattan School of Music and California College of the Arts, where over 40% of students are foreign, also risk severe enrollment shortfalls. At Campbellsville University, 83% of operational revenue comes from tuition, and nearly half of students are international. National impact and muted college response Foreign students contribute billions to the US economy and often remain in the country after graduation. Forbes cited a 2022 study by the National Foundation for American Policy showing that one-quarter of billion-dollar US startups were founded by international alumni. Despite this, all 16 colleges declined to comment, fearing retaliation. As Forbes noted, institutions that speak out risk being singled out by the Trump administration, as happened with Harvard University's Student Visitor Exchange Program, which was suspended before a court order intervened. For many of these schools, international students are not just an asset—they are a necessity. Without them, the lights may soon go out. 1. St. Francis College (Brooklyn, NY): A small private college with financial challenges, previously noted for budget deficits and layoffs. International students likely bolster its revenue, and visa restrictions could exacerbate existing issues. 2. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (PA): Known for attracting international students, particularly in STEM fields. A significant portion of its revenue comes from international tuition, making it sensitive to visa crackdowns. 3. Hult International Business School (Boston, MA): A global business school with a large international student body (over 80% in some programs). Its business model heavily depends on foreign students, and visa restrictions could severely impact enrollment. 4. Manhattan School of Music (NYC, NY): A specialized institution with a notable international student population. Arts schools often rely on international talent, and visa limitations could reduce enrollment and revenue. 5. California College of the Arts (CA): Another arts-focused institution with financial dependence on international students. Its small size and high tuition costs make it vulnerable to enrollment drops. 6. Campbellsville University (KY): A private Christian university with a significant international student population, particularly in graduate programs. Visa restrictions could strain its budget. 7. University of Bridgeport (CT): A private university with a history of financial struggles, recently acquired by Goodwin University. International students are a key revenue source, and visa policies could threaten stability. 8. New York University (NYU): With one of the highest international student populations (over 20% of enrollment), NYU was mentioned as vulnerable to visa crackdowns due to its reliance on international tuition. 9. Columbia University (NY): Also noted for a large international student share (around 30%) and targeted visa revocations, such as the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student arrested for pro-Palestinian protests. 10. Johns Hopkins University (MD): Has a significant international student population (around 25%) and relies on their tuition and research contributions. Visa restrictions could disrupt its financial model. 11. Carnegie Mellon University (PA): Known for a high proportion of international students (over 20%), particularly in STEM fields, making it susceptible to visa policy changes. 12. Northeastern University (MA): Frequently cited for its large international student body and reliance on their tuition. Visa crackdowns could impact its financial stability. 13. Boston University (MA): Another institution with a high international student share, noted as potentially affected by tightened visa controls. 14. University of Southern California (USC): A major destination for international students, particularly from China (over 15% of enrollment). Visa revocations targeting Chinese students could hit USC hard. 15. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL): A public university with significant international enrollment (over $500 million in tuition revenue from foreign students in 2023-2024). 16. Arizona State University (AZ): Another public institution generating substantial revenue ($545 million in 2023-2024) from international students, making it vulnerable to enrollment declines. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.


Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Travellers at Inverdee could lead to more cricket disruption
Local cricket could be disrupted again this weekend by the presence of Travellers at Inverdee playing fields. Around 15 caravans arrived at the Aberdeen site, next to Goals and Harvester, on Sunday, June 1. There are two cricket pitches at Inverdee and, since the Travellers have been there, North East Scotland Cricket have been forced to postpone a number of Grades and Evening League matches on safety grounds. It looks like this weekend's fixtures could also be affected if the Travellers remain at Inverdee – although it is understood Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen are continuing in their efforts to try to allow the facility to be used for cricket again. On Saturday, Ceylon Deeside v Granite City and 3rd Grampian v 2nd Methlick in Grade Four are scheduled to be played at Inverdee, while Grampian v Crescent in the Aberdeenshire Cup is pencilled in for Sunday. Already this week, Evening League matches on Tuesday – Cartoos v Aberdeen Tigers and 2nd Knight Riders v AMC Sporting Club, Wednesday – North Sea v Knight Riders and Grampian Strikers v Aberdeen Tigers, and Thursday – Master Blasters v North Sea and Shell v Knight Riders – have been postponed. Last week a spokeperson for North East Scotland Cricket explained why they were having to cancel fixtures. They said: 'Whilst we appreciate that the vehicles have been spread outside the boundaries of the two pitches, any cricket match would potentially result in damage being caused, and the safety of all involved is paramount.'


Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Cricket prodigy, 14, makes two centuries to break Aberdeenshire record dating back almost 200 YEARS
For 14-year-old Aberdeenshire cricketing prodigy Ethan Shedbal, centuries were a bit like buses last weekend. After waiting a couple of years for his first in adult cricket, two came along in quick succession. The teen has been playing in the North East Grades for Mannofield for the last two seasons – since he was just 12 years old – but hadn't made a hundred until last Saturday. However, Shedbal racked up 102 in the Grade One fixture against Aberdeen Grammar, and the following day he scored 110 for 3rd Mannofield in their Grade Four match against Ceylon Deeside. It is thought he may be the youngest person to make back-to-back centuries in the history of the Grades – which go back as far as 1893 – and in the history Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, which formed in 1857. Shedbal said: 'I felt absolutely brilliant after making the two centuries, it was a great weekend and I couldn't really have dreamt of it being any better. 'After the game on Sunday, I was thinking: 'Have I really done this?' 'I'm only 14 and the Grades is a high standard of cricket, so it was unreal to achieve that. 'My century last Saturday was my maiden century in adult cricket. 'Afterwards people were joking with me, saying: 'You got a century today – you'll have to get one tomorrow.' 'When I got the second one, it was a great feeling and an amazing thing to achieve.' Shedbal started playing soft ball cricket when he was nine and began playing with a hard ball a year later. He has appreciated the people who have helped him develop and has lofty aspirations for the future. Shedbal added: 'This is my third year playing adult cricket and the past couple of years have been great for my development. 'I need to thank Phil Wood (Aberdeenshire junior convener), Rahul Chandu (Mannofield captain) and Tony McKenna (Cricket Scotland regional development officer) because they've really helped me in the last few years. 'Four years ago I couldn't hold a bat properly, but they've pushed me on and helped me develop my game so much. 'As well as them, the senior players have helped me a lot. 'So I just want to thank all the people that have helped me reach the stage I'm at today. 'I have high hopes for the future, in the next year I hope I can be playing for Scotland Under-15s. 'Hopefully I can have big roles in games for Aberdeenshire as well and help us win games – those things are driving me to try to keep improving my skills.'


Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Cricket: Grades chief hails increased participation - but is on the hunt for new pitches
The president of North-East Scotland Cricket (NESC) Robin Taylor believes there is a strong appetite for the game in the region as he attempts to secure new playing facilities. This year eight new teams have joined the Grades, swelling the number of sides from 32 to 40 and leading to Grade Four being reintroduced. NESC chief Taylor has been encouraged by the increased participation at grassroots level this summer. The 59-year-old, who is in his second stint as president of the organisation, said: 'It's very positive that we've got more teams this year and that there are so many folk in the area wanting to play cricket. 'I think cricket is the most inclusive sport you'll find because we have games in the Grades where you have 11 and 12-year-olds playing alongside 70-year-olds. 'Male and female play together and there is also a wide range of nationalities that play. 'It's great to see a lot of clubs putting out more teams with the idea of giving youngsters a chance to play. 'The purpose of NESC is to promote involvement and development within the game and the more folk we have playing the better. 'There is a real appetite to play the game. A lot of clubs are running junior sections and getting a lot of children attending to take up the game.' However, one issue for cricket in the north-east is having enough facilities to meet demand. With more teams in the Grades this season some matches have had to be moved from Saturday to Sunday to allow them to be played. A number of clubs don't have their own ground with council-run facilities like the two pitches at Inverdee, as well as Duthie Park, Harlaw and Groats Road used by multiple sides. But Taylor is optimistic new venues for cricket can be secured and revealed there have been positive talks with Aberdeen City Council. He added: 'There has been an extra strain placed on facilities because we've got more fixtures to play. 'We had hoped there may be one or two new venues in place for the start of the season, but work is still ongoing on that front. 'The Inverdee facility has proved to be a wonderful thing and we're looking at whether it's possible to put in a third pitch at Inverdee. 'We've also spoken to Aberdeen City Council about other possible venues and those discussions are ongoing. 'There's a will on the council's side to help us if we can find suitable locations, their attitude and willingness to try to help us is very encouraging. 'Cricket is a big participation sport in the area and the more pitches we have access to the better really. 'Ideally if we could get at least another two venues that would be a big help to us and would allow more games to be played on Saturdays.' Aberdeenshire and Huntly are both aiming to make it two wins out of two in the North East Championship tomorrow. Both clubs started their season on a winning note and Shire welcome Freuchie to Mannofield this weekend, while Huntly are on the road and face Strathmore at Lochside Park. Stoneywood-Dyce aren't in league action this weekend, but visit Dumfries on Sunday in the first round of the Scottish Cup. In the same competition Aberdeenshire have home advantage against Grange and Huntly welcome East Kilbride to Castle Park. Meanwhile, in the Grades it's Gordonians v Crescent, Master Blasters Aberdeen v Aberdeen Grammar, Bon Accord v Mannofield, 2nd Aberdeen Grammar v Grampian and Knight Riders v Inverurie in Grade One. In Grade Two, Huntly are at home to 2nd Gordonians, 3rd Grammar play 2nd Knight Riders, 2nd Grampian tackle Fraserburgh, Cults meet Aberdeen Tigers and Banchory take on Portcullis. On Saturday in Grade Three Dunecht have home advantage against Crathie, Stonehaven Thistle meet 2nd Mannofield at Mineralwell Park and Stoneywood-Dyce host 2nd Banchory at People's Park. Then on Sunday 2nd Master Blasters play Ellon Gordon and 3rd Gordonians meet Methlick. The action in Grade Four sees 2nd Inverurie play Ceylon Deeside and 2nd Methlick face 2nd Fraserburgh on Saturday. On Sunday it's 3rd Knight Riders v Granite City, 3rd Grampian v 2nd Bon Accord and 3rd Mannofield v 2nd Stonehaven Thistle.