Higher Ed News & Trends
Our in-depth data studies and expert editorials rely on unbiased, proprietary research, data, and careful analysis to add helpful and informative perspectives to the higher education space.
How Online MBAs Are Reshaping Modern Careers
Is an online MBA worth it? See what our experts had to say about salary gains, immediate ROI, and the rising employer acceptance of online MBA degrees.
Construction Management Degrees Lead to High-Paying, Stable Careers
Discover how construction management degrees lead to high-paying careers with job security. Find out what to expect from this degree path and how to get started.
Is an Accounting Major Worth It? Real Advice From Professionals in the Field
Is an accounting degree still worth it? We asked CPAs, CFOs, employers, and educators. Get insider info about salaries, CPA prep, essential tools, online degrees, and why an accounting major might be better for you than a business degree.
Top 10 High-Paying, AI-Proof Jobs
Discover the top 10 high-paying, AI-proof jobs that offer strong salaries and reliable job security. Future-proof your career with roles that automation can't replace, like healthcare, construction management, and veterinary medicine鈥攑lus learn how online programs can get you there.
Decoding Tuition, Fees, and Other College Costs: A Practical Guide for Students
Struggling to decode college costs? Even financial experts struggle with college cost breakdowns. That鈥檚 why we interviewed CPAs and aid advisors to help you make sense of tuition, fees, and what you鈥檒l actually pay.
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Counseling?
Considering a master's in counseling? Explore career paths like mental health, school counseling, and marriage therapy, plus get expert insights to help turn your natural empathy into a meaningful career.
What Can You Do With an Electrical Engineering Degree?
Explore exciting career paths available with an online electrical engineering degree, from renewable energy to advanced tech. Learn what electrical engineers do, how this versatile STEM degree is useful across diverse industries, and why it can provide long-term job stability.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education?
Discover some of the inspiring career paths you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in physical education. Explore roles in healthcare, corporate wellness, digital education, and more through expert insights, alumni success stories, and tips to leverage your online PE degree beyond traditional teaching.
Is a Bachelor's Degree in Holistic Medicine Worth It?
Is a bachelor鈥檚 degree in holistic medicine worth it? This guide covers accredited online programs, holistic health courses, and career outcomes in fields like wellness coaching and herbalism. If you're interested in alternative health, find out if this degree could be a great career fit for you.
Can You Go to College While in the Military?
Considering college while serving in the military? Discover how flexible online degree programs, military education benefits, and time-management tips can help balance active-duty life with earning your degree.
What Degree Do You Need to be A Mechanical Engineer?
Thinking of becoming a mechanical engineer? Explore the degree requirements, including bachelor's, master's, and certifications. Learn how each education level can shape your career and earning potential.
Is Becoming A Radiology Tech Worth It?
Thinking about a career as a radiology tech? Learn about required education, salaries, stress levels, and advancement potential to help you decide whether this fast-growing healthcare job is the right fit for you.
Top 10 Jobs with High Job Security
Explore the top 10 high-security jobs driving the market. Learn about salaries, projected growth, and how online programs can help you pivot into these booming fields.
Is A Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Worth It?
Wondering if a bachelor's degree is worth the investment? This guide breaks down earnings, ROI, and alternatives to help you decide if pursuing a bachelor's degree is the right path for you.
Student Services for Online Learners: Choosing the Right School for You
Online learning is more effective with the right support. Learn how to evaluate schools for academic advising, tech help, career resources, and more in this guide to student services for online learners.
Is Self-Paced Learning Legit?
Wondering if self-paced learning is right for you? Discover how asynchronous courses work, explore the unique benefits of this flexible format, and find strategies for thriving in a self-paced learning environment. Explore accredited self-paced online degrees tailored for modern learners.
Mapping Education Deserts: How Online Learning Can Fill the Gaps in U.S. Higher Ed Access
How does geography impact access to higher education? Our study maps public colleges across the U.S. to find the biggest and smallest education deserts, where population strain on schools is the greatest, and highlights the growing importance of online education for underserved communities.
How To Successfully Negotiate a Financial Aid Package: What Every Family Should Know
Learn how to negotiate your financial aid package and potentially secure more support for college costs. This guide will help you understand your offer and how to prepare an appeal, plus key strategies for reducing tuition expenses. Discover common misconceptions, updated FAFSA rules, and tips for improving your financial aid deal without affecting your admission.
The Homeschooler鈥檚 Guide to UU直播s
Discover the top online colleges for homeschoolers in our comprehensive guide. Using IPEDS data, we rank schools by affordability, flexibility, and support for diverse needs like faith-based learning, early college entry, and disability accommodations. Learn how to navigate applications, identify homeschool-friendly features, and succeed in an online learning environment. Explore personalized higher education pathways tailored to your needs.
How AI is Shaping Higher Education: For Students, Professors, and Institutions
Discover how AI is transforming higher education for students, professors, and institutions. Explore AI鈥檚 role in personalized learning, research, and streamlining administrative tasks, while considering ethical concerns like bias and academic dishonesty. Learn how colleges can use AI tools responsibly to enhance student outcomes without compromising critical thinking or privacy.
Can 2-Year Institutions Deliver 4-Year Results? Where Community Colleges Deliver Economic Mobility
Community colleges in select states are driving economic mobility, offering graduates significant salary growth, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. By aligning programs with workforce needs, these institutions are delivering results that rival four-year universities, helping students achieve long-term financial success at a much smaller cost. Discover the top states and community colleges leading this trend.
College Credit by Exam: Save Money and Graduate Faster
Save time and money on your college degree by testing out of courses with CLEP, DSST, or AP exams. Learn how credit-by-exam options can help you skip traditional classes, cut down on tuition costs, and graduate faster. Explore the benefits, discover some participating schools, and get started on earning your degree more affordably.
College Affordability Crisis: The Shrinking Value of Pell Grants
Explore how the purchasing power of Pell Grants has drastically decreased over time, covering only 31% of college costs today compared to 80% in 1975. Discover the percentage of average tuition, fees, room and board covered by the maximum Pell Grant at different points in its history and how the declining value impacts the work hours needed to cover the costs of college.
Understanding Pell Grants: Your Guide to Federal Student Aid
Learn how Pell Grants can help low- and middle-income students afford college. This guide covers eligibility, application processes, and recent changes that make more students eligible for this essential federal aid. Discover how Pell Grants reduce student debt and expand access to higher education.
10 Lucrative Careers That Only Require an Associate Degree
Discover 10 high-paying careers you can start with just an Associate Degree. Explore roles in healthcare, law, engineering, and more with salaries above the U.S. median and positive job outlooks. Find out why an Associate Degree might be the smart, affordable alternative to a four-year college education.
Turning The Tide: Colleges That Have Actually Reduced Student Debt
Find out which colleges are leading the way in reducing student debt, offering both an education and a path to financial freedom. Our study highlights 18 institutions that have cut student debt by $5,000 or more. Dive into our analysis to see how these colleges are making higher education more affordable and what it could mean for your future.
Which Colleges Accept Running Start Credits?
Discover which colleges accept Running Start credits in this detailed guide. Explore the benefits of dual enrollment programs for high school students looking to earn college credits early, including how to qualify and a list of participating colleges in states like Illinois, Indiana, Hawaii, Montana, and Washington. Ideal for students and parents aiming to reduce college costs and time.
Colleges With the Largest Endowments
Discover how college endowments work and learn more about their role in the financial strategies of the largest U.S. universities. From historic growth patterns to ethical investment debates, gain a deeper understanding of these significant financial entities.
Earnings Elite: Universities Where International Business Degrees Pay Off Big
Discover the universities producing international business graduates that earn the most. Our study explores salary trends for bachelor's and master's degree holders, highlighting the top institutions, salary progression, and the impact online programs have on earnings to help you find an international business degree that can lead to financial success.
Colleges Producing the Highest Earners in Nursing
Discover which colleges produce the highest-earning nursing graduates in this report examining the impact of education level and geographic location on nursing salaries. Learn about the potential for salary growth from associate to master's degrees and see how colleges across the U.S. stack up in preparing nurses for lucrative careers.
College Tuition Trends By State: What's Changed in the Last 5 Years?
Annual tuition is more expensive in almost every state - but not all! In this data study, explore the changes in tuition across the U.S. and discover where tuition has gone up the most, changed very little, or actually gone down.
Cybersecurity Degrees That Pay Off: Colleges Producing the Highest Earners
Explore the top U.S. colleges producing the highest-earning graduates in cybersecurity, based on analysis of bachelor's and master's degree alumni earnings at one and four years post-graduation. Whether you're considering a career in this fast-growing field or looking to maximize your educational investment, find out which colleges offer the best return on your tuition dollars.
Colleges Leading the Charge Toward Gender Parity in Computer Science
Only about 21% of computer science graduates are women, a significant gender gap in a critical STEM field. Discover the 29 schools that have achieved gender parity or better in their computer science programs.
The Cost of Learning: How College Tuition Has Changed Across the U.S. in Five Years
Explore our in-depth data study examining the evolution of college tuition across the U.S. over the most recent five years of College Scorecard data. Discover key trends, regional comparisons, and insights into where college tuition is - and isn't - on the rise.
PWIs With the Highest Payoff for Black Students
A look at 10 primarily white institutions (PWIs) where Black alumni are likely to see higher median salaries than other Black graduates in their state for 2025.
12 Best States for a Career as a Human Resources Specialist
A career path in Human Resources can provide stability and a good salary. Wages and employment opportunity can vary by location, so our report looks at these two indicators to determine the best states for pursing a career in HR.
Which Colleges Serve the Most Adult Students?
Nearly one-third of college students are considered "adult learners." Data from the U.S. Department of Education highlights which schools draw the most students over 25 years old.
Will Your Education Pay Off? Comparing Alumni Earnings at Top Colleges
Obtaining a college degree increases your chances of being hired and boosts your pay, but the college you choose to attend can also have a significant impact on your post-grad earnings. Explore the colleges producing the highest earners 1 and 4 years after graduation.
Embracing Inclusivity: Christian Colleges Supporting LGBT Youth
LGBTQ+ students who prioritize their religion or spiritual beliefs are often subjected to religious discrimination, even while pursuing a higher education online. Explore several Christian institutions that are creating safe spaces for their LGBTQ+ alumni.
Higher Earnings From Your Higher Ed: What To Study in College for Long-Term Financial Gains
The rising costs of tuition and growth of student debt have called into question the value of a college degree. Yet, different fields of study can have drastically different results on a graduate鈥檚 financial future. Explore college degree paths that can lead to the most early-career earnings growth.
Should Distance Learners Care About College Location? Data Shows In-State Loyalty
Online college programs in the U.S. allow students to earn a degree regardless of where the school is located. Explore new data showing that most undergraduate distance learners still choose colleges based in their home state.
Exploring the Gender Pay Gap: How Does a Woman's College Major Affect Career Earnings?
Gender pay gaps have been a hot topic of conversation since before the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and they persist to this day. Explore how different college majors affect the gender pay gap and career earnings of women.
HBCUs with the Highest Payoff for Black Students in 2025
A look at the 10 HBCUs where alumni see higher median salaries than other Black graduates in the state for 2025.
Are Online Degrees Becoming Mainstream? The Virtual Turn in Higher Learning
Online degree programs are more accepted than ever, and U.S. colleges have added over 600 online degree programs since 2017. Discover the degree categories that gained, and lost, the most online programs.
Student loan forgiveness is a band-aid. What will really solve the problem?
Experts weigh in on what needs to happen to stop tomorrow's students from drowning in debt.
Tribal Colleges and Universities in the United States: What They Are, Who They Serve, and Why They Matter
Today there are 35 Native American tribal colleges across the country. These schools play a critical role in their communities and serve thousands of students each year.
Best schools for graduating with no debt (that you can actually get into)
These 15 schools result in the lowest debt for students and have at least a 50% acceptance rate
What are the Largest HBCUs?
The 10 largest historically black colleges account for 33% of HBCU students and are located in seven states throughout the Southeast.
Looking to relocate? Here are top 7 states to move to for work
We compared job openings, the number of job seekers, and advertised salaries by state to find the best options for relocating.聽
Companies that Pay for College
These companies offer tuition reimbursement or other funding options to help employees advance their education.
Are Strict Pay Transparency Laws Dampening Remote Work Options?
Since the pandemic, more local and state policymakers have passed laws to ensure various levels of pay transparency. Here's what to know.
Companies That Pay for Grad School
These companies offer employee education benefits for master's and, in some cases, doctoral degrees.
Gen Z and Millennials Are Twice As Likely As Gen X and Baby Boomers聽to Pick College Based on Prestige
Our survey shows younger generations are twice as likely to choose a college based on prestige than older generations.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions with the Highest Payoff
Earnings data shows religious schools and universities in Florida and California top the list of HSIs with the highest payoff.
Amazon is Top Recruiter of Recent MBA Graduates for Seventh Year, As Big Tech Scoops Up Top Business Talent
Deep-pocketed tech and finance firms are both attempting to attract top-tier MBA graduates.
Reversal of Roe Will Likely Slow Down Decades of Economic Empowerment for Women
Historical labor data and forward-looking econometric models suggest a likely deterioration in various measures of women鈥檚 economic well-being and equity.
Refund Checks Late at HBCUs: Must Be (Uncle Sam鈥檚) Money
Deion Sanders asked why refund checks are late at HBCUs. Walter M. Kimbrough, interim executive director of the Black Men's Research Institute at Morehouse College, weighs in.
Financial Aid Letters: Why they're so confusing, and how to read them
Financial aid can be notoriously confusing for students trying to make informed college decisions. We talked with experts about why that is and how you can demystify the process.
9 Higher Ed and Career Podcasts We Love
These nine podcasts are our go-to sources for higher ed and labor market trends.
Biden Announces $10,000 Student Loan Relief, Up to $20,000 for Pell Grant Recipients
Borrowers making less than $125,000 per year will be eligible for the new plan, which materialized after months of internal debates.
Majors where HBCU grads earn higher than average starting salaries
Data shows that HBCU grads can earn more than average for their field of study in these seven majors.
17 College Terms to Know and Why They Matter
Learn about the most common college terms, what they mean 鈥� and why you should know them.
Accessibility 101: Navigating College with a Disability
Experts weigh in on navigating college with a disability, self-advocacy, and finding support on campus.
Pandemic Worsened Perennial Teacher Shortages, But No Nationwide Exodus From Education Yet
The exodus of teachers that many thought the pandemic would trigger has yet to happen.
How Inflation Affects College Students
Inflation is continuing its record-setting run. Here鈥檚 how students can weather the increasing costs of attending college.
Pandemic pushes Amazon to #1 largest employer for recent college graduates
Amazon became the largest employer for recent bachelor's grads. Here's a look at the top degrees and most popular jobs for grads at Amazon.
Status of Biden's Student Loan Relief Promises to Young Voters
Biden's actions on student loan crisis, from processing backlog of loan forgiveness applications left by Trump, to canceling thousands of dollars in student debt
Attention, Class of 2022: These are the top 25 employers for recent grads
We took a look at where 550,000+ recent college graduates worked one year after earning their degree to find out which companies offer the best chances at a job out of college.
25 Best Jesuit Colleges and Universities by Salary Outcomes
Analysis of Jesuit colleges found that their average salary outcomes are stronger than national median salaries
The Best Law Schools for Alumni Salary in 2022
College is a significant investment, especially for law students. This list highlights law schools where alumni see the highest starting salaries.
College Majors with the Best First Year Salaries in 2022
Engineering and CIS Lead the Pack, with Other STEM Fields Not Far Behind
Two Years After Economic Shock, Some Sectors Still Can鈥檛 Fill Vacancies as U.S. Surpasses 11.5 Million Open Jobs
All private sectors saw higher job vacancy rates in March 2022 vs. March 2020; Mining and logging, manufacturing, education and health, and leisure hurt the most.
Student Loan Crisis: Gen Z and Millennials Are Three Times More Likely to Enter Into Nearly Insurmountable Debt
As policymakers debate what to do about the student loan crisis, survey data show significant rifts between Gen Z, Millennials, and older generations in their concerns about student loan debt
Lower Cost of Living Makes Midwest Colleges鈥� Salary Outcomes More Competitive
Expensive states on the coasts lost some of their Salary Score advantages when we overlaid a cost of living index on top of states鈥� salary outcome scores
AAPI College Choice: The Best Universities for Economic Mobility
These AANAPISI schools offer a higher payoff without limiting access for students
Mental Health Counseling Degrees See Spike Along With Labor Demand
Data shows mental health counseling degrees are seeing increased popularity as demand for more practitioners is projected to grow significantly
Data show today's environmental science grads have more diverse job prospects
We analyzed employment outcomes for 20,000+ environmental science graduates to find out where today's alumni are finding jobs.
Older Generations See College As A Pursuit of Passion, While Younger Ones View It As a Path to the Paper
New survey shows only 29% of Gen Z see college as a way to pursue their passions, while nearly half (49%) see it as a way to maximize earnings, a stark contrast to older generations
The 45 Colleges Where Women Earn More Than Men After Graduation
A look at the four-year colleges whose female graduates are beating the gender pay gap
Backed by Millions in Grants, More Colleges Are Training Faculty in 鈥淓vidence-Based Instruction鈥�
ACUE, an organization that teaches instructors how to instruct, serves as a potential blueprint for future data-driven interventions in higher education.
鈥淒egree Insurance鈥� Aims to Guarantee Competitive Salaries After Graduation
As tuition prices rise and students grow wary of taking on too much debt, a new concept may help students mitigate the risk of low salary outcomes after graduating.
Looking to Land a Prestigious Job After Your MBA? Here's a Look at the Best Schools
MBAs aren't one size fits all when it comes to outcomes. Using alumni LinkedIn data, we took a look at the MBAs that land graduates in the best jobs in consulting, investment banking, and tech.
Colleges with the Worst Gender Pay Gaps for Graduates
A look at the 21 four-year universities where men earn at least $30,000 more than women after graduation.
Looking to Work at a Top Law Firm? Here are the best schools to get you there
A look at the 10 law schools with the highest rate of graduates working for America鈥檚 most prestigious firms.
Which States have the Most HBCUs?
A complete list of historically Black colleges and universities in the U.S. By state.
Nurses With Master's Degrees See Salaries Spike and Opportunities Broaden
Data from over 50,000 early-career BSN graduates and 11,000 MSN graduates shows stark differences in salaries and job opportunities between the two groups
What Are the Largest UU直播s?
We ranked the 25 biggest schools in 2022 by online undergraduate enrollment and show how competitive their graduate salaries are.
How Do UT Austin and Texas A&M Compare On Alumni Salaries?
A look at how the Longhorns and Aggies historic rivalry plays out when it comes to salary outcomes.
How do Duke, UNC, and NC State Stack Up for Salaries?
A look at which majors at North Carolina鈥檚 鈥淩esearch Triangle鈥� give students the best shot at a competitive salary after graduating
Data on the 16 Schools Accused in 鈥淧rice-fixing Cartel鈥�
Facts on the 16 elite schools named in a recent lawsuit that accuses them of breaking antitrust laws and failing to live up to their 鈥渘eed-blind鈥� admissions motto.
Which Schools Offer the Best Employment Outcomes for Architecture Majors?
Employment data for more than 166,000 architecture graduates highlights the best schools for a job at the top 25 firms in America.
The Reason for College Enrollment Declines? A Lack of Information.
The latest college enrollment declines could be resolved by giving prospective students more information about how to avoid student debt.
Where do Psychology Majors End Up? Bachelor's vs. Master's Degrees
A bachelor's in psychology can be useful for jobs in healthcare and business, but a master's degree is a better path for landing a job in-field
Consulting Firms Beat Out Banks, Retailers In Hiring Business Grads
Study of nearly 300,000 undergraduate business majors shows consulting firms employ the most graduates five years after receiving their degrees
Where Did the Top Environmental Lawyers Go to College?
A look at the biggest law schools behind the 500 leading environmental attorneys.
Which schools land you a job at Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J?
Which schools and majors are most likely to lead to the research labs of vaccine development companies Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna?
New Data Shows Top Companies Hiring Florida鈥檚 Online Grads
Employment outcomes for over 74,000 alumni of Florida colleges show aerospace and defense companies are top employers for online graduates
Who Is Hiring Florida鈥檚 Alumni? It Depends on The School.
Employment outcomes for over 140,000 alumni of Florida colleges show defense, finance, healthcare, education, and tech as top employers of grads
The Biggest Problem for Colleges? It May Be Inflation
Rising inflation could be a major issue for colleges over the next few years. Learn about why this is, what history has taught us, and what should be done.
Four-Year Colleges with the Highest Enrollment Growth During COVID-19
While national college enrollment dropped in 2020, online schools saw boosts during COVID-19. New federal data shows which colleges had the highest enrollment growth in fall 2020.
Four-Year Colleges with the Largest Enrollment Declines During COVID-19
New data on fall enrollment for 2020 highlights which universities saw at least a 20% decline during COVID-19
Where do New York's Online Grads Work? Finance Draws 17% of Alumni
New data highlights the biggest employers, industries, and jobs behind the top online colleges for salary in New York.
Who's Hiring Graduates of California's UU直播s?
A look at the top employers, industries, and jobs for the best online schools in California for salary
Can UU直播s Offer Competitive Career Outcomes?
Our study investigates salary and employment data for the most popular online schools in the U.S. Learn which schools did best for post-grad outcomes.
Who's Hiring Graduates of Texas UU直播s?
We found the top employers driving high salaries for alumni of the schools ranked on our list of Best UU直播s by Salary Score in Texas.
The Rising Popularity of Earning a Degree Online
Learn how online degrees are becoming mainstream and why some college students prefer online learning.
The Benefits of a Psychology Degree
Jenni Jacobsen, professor and licensed social worker, explains how a psychology degree can impact your skills, salary, and career.
Is a Master's in Education Worth It?
Sara Austin, M. Ed, discusses the benefits of earning a master's in education and analyzes how the degree can impact your career, salary, and skills.
The Online Student Perspective: What are the top-rated online colleges, and what are they doing right?
Alumni reviews reveal important indicators of top-rated online colleges for prospective students.
Top Five Things to Consider When Looking For an Online School as a Military or Veteran Student
Here are a few things to look for in your school search as a service member or veteran.
Adapt and Adopt: How a Change in Perspective can Help Keep Nontraditional Students Motivated During COVID-19
Clinton Parrilla, an Education Advocate with Northwest Education Access, shares his experiences guiding non-traditional pathway students through the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: Inspiring A New Generation of Healthcare Workers
COVID-19 may be the motivation behind students pursuing healthcare fields and data shows that it鈥檚 a smart long-term decision.
Student Spotlight: Meet our first Online Degree Scholarship winner, Mainhia Ly
2020 Online Degree Scholarship Winner Mainhia Ly on life as a single parent, full-time employee, and online student
Want to get involved this election season? Online students can help get out the vote
While student-led marches across the quad may be off the table, there are many opportunities for students to get involved this election season.
Professor Young鈥檚 Tips for Learning From Home
Pacific Lutheran University professor Dr. Amy Young shares online learning tips that will allow you to better center yourself and practice self-care.
College in the COVID Era: Students Share What Went Well and How Schools Can Do Better
We conducted a survey in August and early September to find out how the shift to online learning affected students, and how schools could alter their approaches.
The Class of 2020: Optimal鈥檚 New Teammates Share Perspectives on Online Learning and Graduating Into a Pandemic
Optimal's newest employees, all members of the class of 2020, share what it was like moving to online education and how they navigated the job search during a pandemic.
Is an Online MBA Worth It? Here's What the Data Says
With the growth of online universities and developments in education technology, America鈥檚 most popular postgraduate degree, the MBA, is changing.
COVID-19 FAQs and Resources
OnlineU.com created this resource to answer the most frequently asked questions about going to college during the coronavirus pandemic.
