Latest news with #publicuniversities
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
DeSantis wins against 'woke' accreditation in push to overhaul higher education
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R., scored a victory on Friday when the state of Florida's university system approved a new accreditor to overhaul higher education. Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee formed the Commission for Public Higher Education, a consortium of six public universities offering a new accreditation model. Florida's Board of Governors approved the creation of the Commission for Public Higher Education at their latest meeting on July 11. "The Commission for Public Higher Education is a consortium of six public university systems that are committed to streamlining accreditation standards and prioritizing student outcomes. It will be an accreditation model created by public universities for public colleges and universities," a spokesperson for the board told Fox News Digital. The Commission will create a "first-of-its-kind accreditation model for public higher education institutions that will offer high-quality, efficient services prioritizing academic excellence, student outcomes and achievement." DeSantis said during a press conference at Florida Atlantic University that there was a need for "alternative accreditation." "The accreditors are telling them they have to do these things," he said. "So, when we said, 'No DEI,' the accreditors are telling these universities, 'No, no, no, you're not going to get accredited unless you do DEI.' Who the heck are they to say what our universities have to do? They're telling them they can't follow state law? Are you kidding me? Nobody elected them to make that judgment at all." "What we've seen develop is an accreditation cartel and the accreditors by-and-large are all singing from the same sheet of music, and it's not what the state of Florida wants to see reflected in its universities in many different respects," he continued. A Department of Education spokesperson in June directed Fox News Digital to President Donald Trump's executive order issued in April that called for accountability and reform to the accreditation process in higher education after claiming that past accrediting bodies "abused their enormous authority." The executive order cited accredited institutions offering "undergraduate and graduate programs with a negative return on investment" and compelling the "adoption of discriminatory ideology, rather than on student outcomes" in order to access federal aid. DeSantis said the members of the new accrediting body have been working with the Department of Education to expedite the process of acquiring approval from the federal government. "The Business Plan provides the mission and goals of CPHE and outlines the upcoming work for the entity to receive approval as a recognized institutional accreditor from the U.S. Department of Education," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The Department of Education did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Mail & Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
The hidden cost of a broken funding system: SA's public universities
Prof Linda du Plessis. Prof Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the North-West University (NWU), explains why the ongoing dysfunction within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) is not only jeopardising the futures of vulnerable students, but also placing immense strain on South Africa's public universities. While attention has focused on student hardships, the crippling operational, financial and reputational toll on universities has gone largely unnoticed. This is threatening universities' ability to deliver quality education, sustain infrastructure and drive national development. Prof du Plessis said: 'The dysfunction at the heart of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) has been the topic of many recent media articles. This focus is needed, as it directly affects the academic journey and future of South Africa's most vulnerable students. However, what continues to receive little or no acknowledgment is the burden these failures place on the very institutions tasked with delivering quality higher education: the public universities. For years, universities have had to carry the brunt of NSFAS mismanagement, often without any meaningful prior consultation or support. While Minister Nkabane and her department continue to promise reforms, universities remain on the receiving end of a crumbling system that is fast becoming unsustainable – not just for students, but for the institutions themselves. The NSFAS was designed to ensure that no student is denied access to higher education due to financial barriers. Yet, despite meticulous planning from universities, every academic year begins with chaos: delayed funding, defunding of students mid-year and tens of thousands of students left in accommodation limbo. These issues do not affect only the students – they cripple university operations. Universities are not profit-driven institutions but operate as financially accountable public entities. The payment of municipal bills, maintenance of infrastructure, licences for an IT infrastructure to enable digital innovation and the payment of salaries are but a few of the basic things that are expected of any well-managed institution. South Africa has no shortage of examples showing how years of limited maintenance have left once-functional infrastructure and office spaces unfit for use. When the NSFAS fails to disburse funds on time, what is then expected of a public university? Universities are forced into the untenable position of either blocking registrations or carrying the cost of registration and tuition, effectively becoming creditors in a relationship they never agreed to. When landlords stop accommodating students due to unpaid rent, the backlash is directed at universities. Institutions have had to extend registration deadlines, negotiate short-term payment terms with landlords, and manage rising legitimate student frustration and unrest. They have to manage a crisis not created by them. Funding challenges affect the core existence of universities and disrupt teaching and learning. While the public sees burning tyres and angry slogans, what remains hidden is the massive operational toll this takes on institutions. Academic calendars are adjusted repeatedly, and these changes often come with additional cost implications. Although the budget allocation for higher education is increasing, most of the growth is directed towards funding the NSFAS, rather than expanding universities or advancing research and innovation. The situation within the SETAs adds another layer of strain. SETAs are tasked with facilitating skills development, and the potential impact of these bodies is enormous. However, political appointments and poor governance have rendered many of them ineffective. The recent allegations regarding the appointment of politically connected individuals are yet another example of how politics can be prioritised over merit and accountability in the higher education and training sector. Universities depend on SETA partnerships for work-integrated learning placements, funding of graduate internships and industry collaboration. When SETAs fail, universities are again forced to fill the gap. The notion that universities are 'denying graduates access to the job market' because of student debt reflects a simple interpretation of a complex issue. Public universities would like to see all graduates making a contribution, either as employees or entrepreneurs, in various sectors of the economy. However, the universities cannot continue functioning if they are expected to provide a free service without financial planning, especially when government departments responsible for that funding are in disarray. Public universities are not just service providers, they are national assets tasked with transforming lives, producing research, driving innovation and shaping the future workforce of South Africa. It is therefore important to focus on the impact of funding challenges on institutions and the dysfunction it creates too. 'Reform will require more than cosmetic changes and promises. It requires a fundamental rethink of how to establish a sustainable financial aid model for students. It requires sound and accountable management. The financial stability, operational effectiveness and reputation of public universities are at stake. Sustaining excellence within a failing system is difficult.' • Find attached a voice recording from Prof Linda du Plessis. • Prof Linda du Plessis can be contacted for comments at: 082 725 2970 or • Follow the link to the article in English here:
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Quality counts as Hong Kong seeks to lure more international students
With no fewer than five universities ranked among the world's top 100, the city is definitely well positioned to nurture the ' Study in Hong Kong ' brand. Hong Kong's proximity to mainland China and long-established overseas links have further reinforced its status as an international education hub. The priority is to cast the net wider to attract the best and brightest from the mainland and overseas to work and study here. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin revealed that applications from non-local students had increased significantly this year, with the numbers almost doubling in some institutions. The city also tapped the opportunities arising from the United States' recent policy changes for international students; four local institutions made at least 36 offers to those affected. This outcome is encouraging. There is room to do more. There were 17,161 non-local students at public universities in 2024-25. This accounts for about 23 per cent of local student places, still short of the 40 per cent allowed. Noting that the quota is still not fully utilised and that some institutions are not yet ready for increasing their intake in terms of staffing and facilities, Choi said she believed that public universities could enrol more quality overseas students to ensure greater diversity on campuses in future. She said the universities had become more mindful of the number of overseas students compared with those from the mainland, Taiwan and Macau, in response to concerns that mainlanders accounted for more than 70 per cent of the non-local intake. But she stressed that picking the best was still the priority and that this would not be sacrificed to ensure greater diversity. Being an international education hub means the city should aim to attract the top students from different countries. Local universities should come up with more quality and up-to-date programmes, such as tech-related majors, to attract talent from around the world.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
From 401(k) Loans to Side Hustles: The Extreme Measures Parents Take to Avoid Student Debt
As the cost of college in the U.S. continues to surge, many parents are resorting to drastic financial strategies—including pausing retirement contributions, liquidating investments, and taking second jobs—to spare their children from taking on student debt. In a survey commissioned by Citizens Bank and conducted by Researchscape, 61% of parents said they need to go beyond traditional college financing options, such as 529 savings plans and federal loans, to bridge the financial gap. Of the 1,000 respondents surveyed, 19% reported taking on a second job, 30% had borrowed against their 401(k) or withdrawn personal funds, and 26% paused investing altogether. Some said they cut back on vacations or major purchases. Meanwhile, 62% of parents said they expect to delay their retirement to help cover their children's college education costs. Don't Miss: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: The Education Data Initiative reports that the average annual tuition at a public four-year college has risen 40 times since 1963. Between 2010 and 2023, tuition at four-year public universities jumped over 36%. Another EDI report estimates the average annual cost of college—including tuition, room and board, fees, and supplies—at about $38,000. "Compared to just a few years ago, the pressure has increased due to rising tuition, inflation, and greater uncertainty around future costs," Tony Durkan, vice president and head of 529 college savings at Fidelity, told Fortune. "Many families are still underprepared, often relying on rough estimates rather than clear savings goals." Pam Krueger, investment advisor and founder of Wealthramp, told Fortune that she's seen a growing number of parents refinancing homes, pulling money from retirement, or juggling extra jobs to manage college expenses. "It's coming from a place of love and a desire to protect their kids from the burden of student debt—but it's also very risky," Krueger said. "These choices can set parents back in a way that's really hard to recover from." Trending: Tired of Grid Failures and Charging Deserts? This Startup Has a Solar Fix and $25M+ in Sales — Krueger added that many families make college decisions based on acceptance letters—not finances. Citizens Bank's survey results support this, showing that 20% of parents focused solely on getting their child into college without thinking about how to pay for it. The topic also remains sensitive: nearly half of the parents surveyed said they'd rather talk to their child about drugs or alcohol than college costs. Durkan told Fortune that starting early with a 529 plan can provide significant long-term benefits. These tax-advantaged accounts allow for tuition savings and can be reassigned to other family members if unused. "The earlier you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow through compounding," Durkan said. "Even small, regular contributions can add up significantly over time." Krueger recommends open conversations with children—particularly in high school—about what's realistic, including considering schools with strong merit aid programs and transparent pricing. "Sometimes the 'big name' school isn't the best financial fit—and that's okay," Krueger told Planning Experts CEO Brian Safdari told Fortune that late-starting families should focus on applying for aid, reallocating investments, and estimating true out-of-pocket costs. "Even private colleges with sticker prices over $95,000 per year may offer enough aid to cost less than a public school," Safdari said. But he also emphasized that gaps will likely remain. "The expected cost minus savings minus free money will likely still leave a gap," Safdari said. "Once we have that number, we can start figuring out how to fund it over four years, while minimizing student debt and leaving enough money to retire." Read Next: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they're on pace — Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article From 401(k) Loans to Side Hustles: The Extreme Measures Parents Take to Avoid Student Debt originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
30-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Regional Public Universities Drive Social Mobility. Rankings Need To Catch Up
What makes a college great? For too long, that question has been answered by rankings based o Regional public universities drive social mobility, a story that's often missing from the most cited ... More rankings. n a narrow and outdated formula that includes variables like how many applications a college denies, how high their admitted students' test scores are, and how large their endowment is. But that definition of excellence doesn't serve students—or America. If we care about long-term student success and national competitiveness, we need to focus on the institutions that deliver social and economic mobility at scale. And by every meaningful measure, public universities—especially regional public universities—do this best. Yet these institutions often trail their peers in the most widely cited rankings, like U.S. News & World Report. While that publication is to be commended for placing a 'greater emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduates' in its 2024 rankings, more change is needed for rankings systems that are still dominated by wealth and selectivity. The colleges doing the most to change lives still struggle to gain appropriate recognition. This is problematic because, despite their limitations, rankings still matter. Students and families use them to decide where to apply. Prospective faculty and staff include them in their consideration of competitive offers from other institutions. But rather than introducing students who may be the first in their family to attend college, working adults, or those from lower-income backgrounds to institutions best positioned to prepare them for success, many rankings instead potentially skew the perceptions of the colleges that are most worthy for these students. That's why this moment—when higher education is facing unprecedented criticism and challenges, and the percentage of young people choosing to pursue a four-year degree is dropping—matters. We can't just dismiss and drop out of flawed rankings. We need to elevate and value better rankings, rankings that reward the kind of positive, lifelong impact higher education has always delivered. The Social Mobility Index, Third Way's Economic Mobility Index, and Washington Monthly rankings prioritize affordability, completion, post-college earnings, and access for students. These tools highlight a much clearer picture of institutional value—for individuals, communities, and the broader economy. And they reveal a truth that other rankings obscure: the institutions delivering the greatest return for students and society are regional public universities. Regional public universities educate not only large numbers of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, but also the majority of American students seeking a public four-year undergraduate degree. They prepare graduates for high-demand fields, support local economies, and create upward mobility across generations. They don't measure success by who they exclude—they measure it by who they uplift. This is not just a matter of fairness—it's a national economic imperative. According to a 2024 report from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training by 2031, and 62% of good jobs will require a bachelor's degree or higher. As the population of traditional college-aged students shrinks, meeting future workforce demands will depend on bringing more low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students into—and through—college. The importance of this work is increasingly being recognized. The newly revised Carnegie Classification system now includes a Social and Economic Mobility category. Ninety-seven percent of all public four-year universities achieving the new Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation are regional public universities. That's a meaningful signal—but more is needed. If we want higher education to continue to be the powerful force for equity, for economic growth, and for national competitiveness that it has long been proven to be, we need to realign our incentives and our recognition. Rankings must meaningfully measure and reward outcomes that matter: not endowment size, but social mobility; not exclusivity, but economic impact. A truly great college isn't one that preserves privilege. It's one that creates opportunity. Regional public universities are delivering what the country needs most, at a time when talented and prepared citizens are needed more than ever. The rankings—and the nation—need to catch up.
