The rapid pace of change in higher education shows no signs of slowing in 2024.
For one thing, colleges and universities across the country are bracing for broader demographic challenges as their pool of traditional-age students shrinks. Already, both public and private universities are struggling with budget and enrollment issues, and some have been forced to cut programs and reduce faculty.
Likewise, big changes are happening at the state level. The conservative-led crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs continues to gain momentum this year, with Utah recently banning most of these initiatives at public universities.
Pending court cases could also shake up the higher education world. A decision could be made this year determining the legality of military academy admissions that considers race and recent regulations implemented by the Biden administration.
Below we have compiled three outlooks for the year covering future national, legal and national policy trends.