College report: education, money and campus news February 20, 2026

Colleges are dealing with enrollment pressures, renewed federal oversight and increasing attention to how families finance higher education. This week’s developments highlight stress points in the higher education system, from declining international enrollment to concerns about how some institutions are pushing families toward expensive borrowing options.

Here’s a quick look at the top stories shaping higher education and student finance this week before February 20, 2026.

🎓 Headlines at a glance

• International enrollment pressure continues to put pressure on campus budgets.
• The Ministry of Education is urging colleges to help prevent loan defaults.
• Planning begins for the 2027-2028 FAFSA cycle.
• New report finds some colleges may be steering families toward Parent PLUS loans.

1. The international registration pressure continues

American colleges are reporting ongoing challenges in attracting international students amid stricter visa policies and increased global competition. Institutions that once relied on international tuition revenue are seeing a decline, especially at research universities and mid-market private schools.

Because international students often pay full tuition, even modest enrollment declines can cause significant budget shortfalls.

2. Department of Education urges colleges to reduce student loan defaults

The The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidelines reminding colleges of their responsibility to support borrowers under Title IV programs. Officials emphasized proactive outreach, repayment advice and improved communications with borrowers to help prevent student loan defaults.

Institutions with high default rates risk sanctions or the loss of federal support.

➡️ Influence: Defaults hurt credit scores and limit financial mobility. Greater institutional accountability could push colleges to invest more in financial literacy and reimbursement support.

3. Development begins for the FAFSA 2027-28

The The Ministry of Education has also announced this first steps toward developing the 2027-2028 FAFSA form, launching a new information collection process aimed at improving data collection and filing timing.

This move signals ongoing efforts to stabilize and refine the FAFSA process following recent revisions and delays.

➡️ Influence: Earlier FAFSA development could lead to earlier award notifications and better financial planning for families, especially those who rely on need-based assistance.

4. Report raises concerns about colleges steering families toward parent PLUS loans

A new analysis found that some colleges may be steering low-income families toward Parent PLUS loans, even when cheaper federal student loan options are available. Parent PLUS loans often have higher interest rates and fewer repayment protections compared to standard undergraduate federal loans. Some of these schools even advertised themselves as no-loan colleges.

The report raises concerns that households may be taking on long-term debt burdens without fully understanding the alternatives.

➡️ Influence: Parent PLUS loans can significantly impact household finances for years to come. Families should carefully evaluate all borrowing options before taking out a loan.