An estimated 23 million parents of school-age children do not have access to after-school programs despite wanting this resource. Cost is the most commonly cited barrier for families, followed by transportation issues and a lack of programs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in October that will automatically admit qualifying high school seniors to California State University campuses in fall 2027 and beyond. Eligible students will automatically receive a notification they have been directly admitted based on their academic records. A similar program in Idaho, implemented in 2015, increased first-time undergraduate enrollment rates by 4% to 8%.

Records of international visitors’ arrivals in the U.S. in August show a 19% decrease in international student arrivals compared to 2024. Although the data does not reflect international students who did not leave the U.S. over the summer or students who arrived in September, the data provides a preliminary look at international student enrollment rates. This analysis examines declines in students by country, including a 32% drop in international students from Africa.

A student athlete in Washington state was hit by a car during cross-country practice, causing serious injuries. The driver was not believed to have been impaired during the crash, however, they were arrested at the scene for an unrelated charge.

Healthcare costs are a topic of debate surrounding the government shutdown. In California specifically, Covered California enrollees will pay nearly 100% more if federal tax subsidies put in place during COVID end. The executive director of Covered California estimates nearly 400,000 Californians may drop their coverage in light of the rate increases.

The Grad PLUS loan program, established 20 years ago, will phase out beginning next year. The program historically has provided up to tens of thousands of dollars for graduate students to cover the full cost of attendance. The program’s end could result in a decline in graduate enrollment, which will further exacerbate financial struggles for colleges.

Small, private colleges that have specialized focuses or religious affiliations may be disproportionately impacted by a decrease in international students. A new analysis found that the majority of schools will see “very little effect,” however, private schools may lose 30% or more of their budget.

35% of Americans say they are “completely” or “somewhat” satisfied with the K-12 school system, representing an 8-point drop since last year. This is a record-low for the poll, which Gallup has conducted since 1999. About three-quarters of parents are either “completely” or “somewhat” pleased with the quality of education their oldest child is receiving, which suggests satisfaction with local schools.

Students who graduated high school in 2017 and 2018 saw notable socioeconomic gaps in their college completion rates, according to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Only one quarter of students who graduated from a high-poverty high school in those years earned at least an associate’s degree within six years. Students who graduated from more affluent high schools had a 59% six-year degree completion rate.