We’re here to recap some of the recent top stories, covering everything from Catholic universities merging to colleges making faculty cuts.
Let’s dive into the numbers:
80
St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University, both Catholic institutions in Iowa, are joining forces. The campuses are roughly 80 miles apart, and the merger is aimed at sharing resources and cutting costs.
30
Frostburg State University in Maryland is facing a budget deficit of $7.7 million. To address this, the public institution plans to cut 30 faculty positions by the fall of 2025, with an additional 15 jobs expected to be cut by spring 2026.
10+
For over a decade, Liberty University and Virginia Technical Institute have collaborated on a technical studies program. Liberty recently acquired VTI’s educational components to offer students more career pathways that do not require traditional four-year degrees.
$600 million
Bloomberg Philanthropies is generously donating $600 million to support the endowments of the nation’s four historically Black medical colleges. This funding aims to diversify the medical field. Additionally, $5 million is being allocated to the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine in New Orleans, which is set to open soon.
2
The release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 academic year could be delayed. The U.S. Department of Education plans to test the updated FAFSA with a limited number of students and colleges starting on Oct. 1. The full release to all applicants may not be available until Dec. 1.
These numbers showcase the significant changes happening in the education sector, from mergers to budget cuts and philanthropic donations. It’s a dynamic landscape that continues to evolve, impacting students and institutions alike. Stay tuned for more updates on these developments and their implications for higher education.
