This week in college admissions, Brown strikes a deal with the White House to restore lost federal funding, Northwestern lays off staff, more colleges embrace plans to offer three-year degrees, and Muhlenberg eliminates its application fee.
Brown University has reached a deal with the Trump administration to restore its lost federal funding and end investigations into alleged discrimination. Brown will pay $50 million to Rhode Island workforce development organizations and will make some concessions to the government’s political agenda, including removing any consideration of race from the admissions process. The deal also includes a stipulation that the government cannot dictate the content of curriculum or academic speech at Brown.
In response to federal funding cuts and other financial pressures, Northwestern University is eliminating 425 staff positions. This measure follows on the heels of other efforts to reduce expenditures, including a hiring freeze and changes to employee benefits.
Colleges are increasingly supporting three-year bachelor’s degrees by reducing academic credit requirements from 120 to around 90. Indiana, Utah, and Maine have launched or approved such programs, while some accreditors are easing rules to encourage them. Supporters say the shorter degrees save time and money, but concerns remain about academic quality and acceptance by employers or grad schools.
Muhlenberg College announced it will waive its application fee for 2025-2026, increasing access and easing one potential burden in its process for prospective students.
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