Michael Nietzel is president emeritus of Missouri State University. A Forbes contributor since 2019, he writes about higher education. After earning his B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois), he was awarded a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois in 1973. He
Boston University Is Latest To Join The Free Tuition Arms Race
Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, Boston University will offer free tuition and cap other costs to entering students from families earning less than $200,000 a year.
This University Of Michigan College Will Replace Letter Grades For Freshmen
Starting in fall 2027, the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, & the Arts will assign pass/no credit grades to new students for the first semester.
Personal Coaching Boosts Retention And Re-Enrollment At HBCUs, New Study Finds
A new five-year study by InsideTrack found that one-on-one coaching dramatically boosts retention, re-enrollment and tuition revenue at 39 of the nation’s HBCUs.
Rice Becomes The Latest University To Expand Its Free Tuition Offer
Rice University announced that it would provide free tuition to those from families earning up to $200,000 annually starting with students entering in fall 2027.
Trump Administration Tries A New Reform Pitch To The Nation’s Universities
The Trump administration has sent a letter to the nation’s universities asking them to answer how they will address reforms in seven policy areas before the end of 2026.
What The Changes In Entry-Level Jobs Mean For New College Graduates
Recent college graduates face a tough job market, and one of the new barriers they’re finding is that entry-level jobs that require no prior experience are disappearing.
Is Vanderbilt’s Campus Expansion The Next Big Thing For Universities?
Vanderbilt University is charting a new “locational portfolio strategy" that involves opening campuses in major cities that are taking the lead in innovation and talent.
NSF Rolls Out New Plan To Pair Universities With Industry For PhD Training
NSF will invest $47 million to pilot a four-year Ph.D. model that will train more than 250 doctoral students by emphasizing hands-on experience in industry R and D.
Sonoma State U. Reverses Field, Will Bring Back Intercollegiate Athletics
Only one year after eliminating its entire intercollegiate athletics program because of a budget deficit, Sonoma State University is bringing it back, starting Fall 2027,
New Study Shows How Ivy League Athletics Turn Into Job Pipelines
Recent research finds a strong influence on where Ivy League graduates take their first jobs through an “old boy” network formed by playing college sports.