Recent times have been a time of global change in the American education system. And everyone can see it. But what exactly are these changes, and who has suffered the most?
U.S. Policy and Higher Education
The federal government has recently begun to intervene aggressively in universities. Colleges can now receive priority funding in exchange for policy changes.
The Trump administration has tightened visa issuance and revoked documents already issued. And some universities can no longer admit international students to the United States.
As a result, many universities are reporting a drop in enrollment from abroad. This is not only a blow to the reputation of the United States as an educational center. But also a serious financial loss.
Funding of U.S. universities
Changes at colleges in the United States have affected their budgets as well.
In 2025, the federal OBBA law went into effect. It eliminated the popular Grad PLUS student loan program. In addition, strict limits were introduced. Now, tuition is limited to $100,000 for graduate programs and $200,000 for professional programs.
Wealthy universities now pay an increased tax on endowment funds. For example, Yale University expects to pay $300 million annually. This has already led to announced cuts.
Small liberal arts colleges, on the other hand, are on the brink. They have almost no resources left after the pandemic and inflation.
Admissions rules are also changing. The reason is internal data showing the relationship between scores and academic success.
Trends in higher education institutions in the United States
Trends in higher education institutions The U.S. in 2026 cannot be understood without considering the political context. Federal officials are increasingly using investigations.
Already Brown University has been scrutinized after a campus shooting, Harvard for «politically undesirable» initiatives, George Mason for inclusion programs.
Boards of directors are increasingly composed of persons loyal to the administration, which reduces the protection of rectors. This jeopardizes academic freedom and increases ideological pressure.
U.S. higher education 2026 is a field where educational goals are increasingly intertwined with politics. These changes are important not just for Americans, but for the world. The U.S. has long been a magnet for talent, and its turn toward isolation could redistribute global educational flows.
Frequent questions about higher education trends in the U.S. in 2026
Which of these changes are already in effect and which are just being discussed?
Some of the trends have already begun to materialize in 2024-2025 and will move into an active phase in 2026. For example, the return of SAT/ACT requirements has already occurred at a number of universities, and financial pressures and staff reductions are affecting many universities.
At the same time, changes in federal student loan policy and new legislative initiatives are still under discussion and subject to adjustment.
How should applicants prepare for the new admission requirements?
Applicants should prepare for a more competitive and structured admissions process. Even at universities with formal test-optional policies, a good SAT or ACT score can be an added advantage. can be an added advantage.
It is also important to research the requirements of specific universities in advance and take into account the financial conditions of study, as regulations increasingly vary from one university to another.
Will these trends affect the cost of tuition?
Yes, such an impact is possible. University financial difficulties and changes in the student loan system may result in higher tuition or reduced financial aid.
At the same time, many universities will make greater use of grants and scholarships, to attract strong students, so conditions may vary considerably.
