Prepare your institution for rapid higher education changes while making decisions grounded in evidence and best practices.
As new political, legal, and economic forces reshape the U.S. higher education landscape with unprecedented momentum, it can be easy for colleges and universities to lose sight of their long-term institutional goals. Yet in times of change, it’s critical to focus on a clear vision for the future.
Download our new infographic, 5 Ways Higher Education is Changing in 2025–26, for actionable insights to stay focused on long-term improvement despite widespread change:
- Five topics that will dominate the academic year
- Key data points to help you understand what’s changing
- Concrete steps your organization can take to keep pace
“A rocky financial and regulatory environment pushes colleges and universities to rethink traditional approaches to their budgeting and strategic planning processes. Institutions are adapting to headwinds from budget shortfalls, enrollment challenges, rising costs, and funding policy changes.”
How is Higher Education Changing?
As higher education professionals enter the 2025-26 academic year, it’s clear that colleges and universities face ongoing operational upheaval, fueled by continuing federal and state policy reform, funding shifts and cuts, rising costs, and evolving student needs and perceptions.
In this rapidly changing environment, it’s more important than ever for higher education leaders to stay current with the latest educational developments. Being proactive, rather than reactive, enables leaders to anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and implement initiatives that will meet the needs of both students and staff.
By keeping a close eye on fast-moving trends, you can prepare your institution to ride the waves of change while continuing to make decisions grounded in evidence and best practices.
Higher education leaders who remain informed and level-headed can foster resilience, innovation, change management, and success within their institutions. Use this infographic to ensure your campus understands the latest topics and knows how to apply sound data and research to inform meaningful strategies.
