Colleagues –
September usually signals a “return” to the classroom—a seasonal ritual embedded in academic life. But for many of today’s students, “back to school” doesn’t quite look like it used to.
More learners today are adults balancing work, parenting, and education. They enroll online, attend part-time, and stack credentials over time. They move in and out of higher ed based on life circumstances, not a fixed academic calendar. “Back to school” is no longer a single moment. It’s a continuous, personal journey.
This shift prompts a critical question: If students have changed, how are institutions adapting?
Across the country, we’re seeing promising signs of transformation—from colleges redesigning advising systems and integrating mental health supports, to campuses using courseware and digital tools to increase engagement and flexibility. These aren’t just upgrades; they are foundational changes that center students’ needs and drive better outcomes.
One way we see this momentum reflected is in how we evaluate institutional success. Our partners at the Washington Monthly have long challenged conventional college rankings by spotlighting schools that deliver real value to students (“bang for your buck”) and society—not just prestige. This year, they went further, refining their methodology to better reflect how individual colleges contribute to advancing students’ social mobility and public service engagement, while also accounting for their role in generating research that benefits society. Their rankings aren’t a roadmap for reform, but they offer a helpful lens and criteria for how we can and should look at institution’s contributions and impact.
Among the standouts (and there are many, so I highly encourage digging through all the rankings):
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, one of the “best-in-class” colleges, and #2 on the list of best 4-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions, was created in 2013 when the Texas legislature merged two regional campuses to form a flagship university that matches the region’s demographic strength with educational opportunity. UTRGV is reshaping what higher ed can look like when institutions are built alongside their communities—offering affordable degrees, on-campus childcare, and student supports designed for first-generation and working learners.
- Cal State–LA, ranked #1 on the “best bang for the buck” list in the West, delivers exceptional value to students that face the steepest barriers to success in higher ed. About 66% of students receive Pell Grants, and the average net cost for low-income students is just $4,551. It was also recently named #1 in the state on the California Mobility Index, which measures how quickly students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds can recoup the cost of their degrees through post-graduation earnings. With a six-year graduation rate of approximately 52% and narrowing equity gaps, Cal State–LA is helping students translate access into upward mobility—and doing so affordably.
- Florida International University, a top college for your “tuition (and tax) dollars,” serves high proportions of Pell-eligible and first-generation students and delivers strong outcomes relative to cost. FIU is also awarding a large number of bachelor’s degrees—and a significant share go to students of color (about 86% of degrees in recent years), reflecting its promise to deliver greater access and mobility.
These colleges remind us that putting students first isn’t a trend, it’s a commitment. And one that pays dividends.
As we enter a new season, let’s keep pushing for a higher education system that reflects the realities of today’s students—and the potential of those institutions ready to meet them where they are.
Regards,
Patrick Methvin
Director, Postsecondary Success
A First-of-Its-Kind for Tribal Colleges
On September 9, the American Indian Higher Ed Consortium (AIHEC) launched the first-ever Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Economic Impact Study—a milestone in both visibility and validation for TCUs nationwide. This effort, supported through the foundation’s Intermediaries for Scale (IFS) initiative, provides a national view of the value TCUs bring to rural communities, Tribal Nations, and the broader economy.
The study draws on FY 2022–2023 data and finds:
- 38 billion total national economic impact
- Over 28,000 students served across 34 institutions
- 2,674 credentials awarded and 4,800 faculty and staff employed
The findings show that TCUs are more than educational institutions—they are engines of workforce development, cultural preservation, and economic resilience. Given that much of the data reflects pandemic-era conditions, the true impact is likely even greater. For a closer look, check out the executive summary and state reports on AIHEC’s website, and read Inside Higher Ed’s coverage of the release.
Quick takes
FAFSA filings surge in California
After a rocky start to the new FAFSA rollout last year, California has seen a significant rebound: applications from high school seniors are up 15% compared to 2024. The gains are even higher in school districts with large shares of students from low-income backgrounds—thanks in part to strong local outreach and the state's universal FAFSA policy.
Why higher ed needs stronger accountability
In a new video, Beth Akers from AEI, makes the case that federal funding for colleges should come with clearer expectations—and consequences. With billions in taxpayer dollars at stake, she argues institutions must be held accountable for student outcomes like graduation rates and earnings.
More education still means more earnings
New Census data confirms a consistent trend: higher levels of education are strongly associated with higher income. Adults with a bachelor’s degree earn nearly double those without a high school diploma—and gains hold across race, gender, and geography.