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Education Dive
A look back at the biggest higher ed headlines of 2019
There was more to the year than celebs buying their kids' way into
college. Take a look back through some of these top news stories.
Education Dive staff
Jan. 2, 2020
News early last year that some wealthy parents were buying their
children's way into elite colleges was consuming, and the whole affair
is still playing out. But the Varsity Blues scandal wasn't the only
topic to light up higher education in 2019.
At the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Betsy DeVos continued
her push for deregulation, rewriting several Obama-era rules. Colleges
continued to drop standardized tests from their admissions requirements
— a slow-burning trend that got fresh oxygen late in the year when
advocacy groups sued the University of California System over its use
of the SAT and ACT. Meanwhile, affirmative action supporters netted a
win as a federal judge ruled in Harvard University's favor for its use
of the policy in admissions.
For-profit college operators encountered new hurdles in their attempts
to outrun heightened regulation. The College Board pulled back on its
adversity score, while U.S. News & World Report continued to tweak
its rankings formula to reward institutions for increasing access to
higher ed. And Hampshire College became a microcosm of how small
liberal arts colleges were responding to growing financial challenges.
As we explain in our list of higher ed trends for 2020, many of these
topics will carry over into the new year, making looking back akin to
looking forward. What would you like us to write more about in the new
year? Let us know by emailing our editors your thoughts.
Federal racketeering sting reveals 'side door' into elite colleges
By Hallie Busta • March 13, 2019
News that parents paid millions to get their children into selective
institutions has triggered a maelstrom at a time of increasing tuition
price sensitivity.
Ed Dept outlines decision to keep Grand Canyon U for-profit
By Hallie Busta • Nov. 12, 2019
In a letter shared with Education Dive, the department claims
separating the university aimed "to drive shareholder value." Grand
Canyon has pushed back.
College Board drops 'adversity score' and shares its methods
By Hallie Busta • Aug. 28, 2019
The nonprofit pulled the measure in response to concerns over how it
would be calculated, though admissions officers already look at those
details.
Ed Dept issues final rules on accreditation and state authorization
By Natalie Schwartz • Oct. 31, 2019
Critics say the rules, which are mostly unchanged from their draft
form, will reduce oversight on colleges and universities and
potentially harm students.
Civil rights groups sue U of California over SAT, ACT requirement
By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf • Oct. 29, 2019
Their argument, that the tests discriminate against certain student groups, comes as more colleges drop the requirement.
What 2U's year of change says about the state of online learning
By Hallie Busta • Dec. 19, 2019
The OPM is reacting to increased competition in higher ed by finding
new ways to reach students, but its public profile shows how high the
stakes can be.
Judge sides with Harvard in affirmative action admissions case
By Natalie Schwartz • Oct. 1, 2019
Although an appeal is expected, the ruling is viewed as a win for
colleges that consider race when deciding which students to admit.
What's changed in US News' 2020 college rankings?
By Natalie Schwartz • Sept. 9, 2019
The publication added new rankings for social mobility and started rewarding schools for graduating first-generation students.
Ed Dept makes student debt, earnings data searchable by program
By Hallie Busta • Nov. 20, 2019
The College Scorecard's update reflects a bipartisan push to collect
better data on how people fare after earning a credential, but some say
it has limitations.
After turbulent year, Hampshire College keeps accreditation
By Hallie Busta • Nov. 25, 2019
The president of the embattled liberal arts school called the decision
a "critical step" to it finding a way forward after threatening to
close earlier this year.
Canvas parent Instructure to go private in $2B deal
By Hallie Busta • Dec. 4, 2019
Private equity firm Thoma Bravo will buy the ed tech company, reflecting a trend of investor interest in the sector.
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