College report: education, money and campus news February 13, 2026

Universities announced billions in foreign funding, more colleges expanded tuition-free programs, lawmakers warned about the growing reliance on private student loans, and a small private university confirmed it will close its doors. Meanwhile, states are experimenting with solutions, from paid internship pipelines to mandatory financial literacy education.

Here’s a quick look at the top stories shaping higher education and student finance this week for February 13, 2026.

🎓 Headlines at a glance

• U.S. colleges report $5.2 billion in foreign funding disclosures.
• The number of tuition-free courses continues to grow.
• Lawmakers warn that stricter federal borrowing limits could boost private lending.
• Lourdes University announces that the university will close.
• Virginia is once again launching a paid internship program for students.
• Mississippi is pushing a financial literacy requirement for high school students.

1. US universities report $5.2 billion in foreign funding

The Ministry of Education has launched a new website to pursue foreign financing in higher education.

Colleges across the country announced more than $5.2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts under federal transparency requirements. Institutions such as Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported significant international funding flows.

The revelations come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence, national security concerns and transparency in higher education financing.

2. Free tuition programs continue to expand

A growing number of colleges are offering tuition-free programs for low- and middle-income students. There are now nearly a thousand tuition-free programs operating in dozens of states, including community colleges, public universities and some private institutions.

These programs typically cover tuition, but may not include housing, fees, or living expenses. Many require completion of the FAFSA and have income thresholds.

➡️ Influence: Tuition-free doesn’t mean free, but it can dramatically reduce student loan borrowing. Families should carefully compare the net price, not just the sticker price, when evaluating these offers.

3. Lawmakers warn of rising demand for private student loans

Democrats in the Senate released a report (PDF file) warns that new federal student loan borrowing limits could push more students toward private student loans. As restrictions on graduate and parent borrowing tighten due to recent reforms, private lenders are expected to see increased demand.

Private loans typically have higher interest rates and less protection for borrowers than federal loans.

➡️ Influence: Borrowers filling gaps with private loans should understand the repayment terms, cosigner requirements, and the lack of income-driven repayment options. However, some private lenders now even offer income-related repayments.

4. University of Lourdes announces closure

Lourdes Universitya small private Catholic institution in Ohio, confirmed it will close at the end of the academic year, citing financial instability and enrollment issues.

Students are offered transfer support, but closures often result in disrupted study timelines and additional financial pressure.

➡️ Influence: College closures remind us that institutional financial health matters. Students should review enrollment trends, financial stability indicators, and accreditation status before committing. At least sixteen colleges will be closed by 2025, and that number is expected to rise in the coming years.

5. Virginia is launching another paid internship program

Virginia has relaunched its statewide internship initiative (InternshipsVA), connecting students to paid work opportunities in the public and private sectors. The program aims to strengthen the workforce and help students earn an income while in school. This was one of Spanberger’s campaign promises.

➡️ Influence: Paid internships can offset living costs, reduce borrowing, and improve employment outcomes after graduation.

6. Mississippi advances financial literacy law

Mississippi lawmakers submitted a bill requiring stronger financial literacy education for students, covering topics such as budgeting, lending, saving and responsible lending. The bill would require students to complete a financial literacy course as a requirement for high school graduation.

If implemented, the policy would aim to equip students with better tools before taking on student loans or other forms of debt.

➡️ Influence: Financial literacy education has a direct impact on long-term outcomes, including how students borrow for college and handle repayment afterwards. More than 28 states currently have similar requirements.