Higher education in 2023 witnessed significant events and developments that shaped the landscape of colleges and universities. From a landmark Supreme Court decision on affirmative action to the return of international students, the closure of small colleges, and controversies surrounding Ivy League presidents, let’s take a closer look at the top stories that defined higher education in 2023.
Affirmative Action Decision: A Landmark Ruling
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court made a groundbreaking decision that impacts college admissions across the country. The court ruled that universities can no longer consider the race of a student when making admissions decisions. This ruling effectively ended the practice of affirmative action, which had been in place for over 50 years.
The decision came as a result of cases involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the importance of treating students as individuals based on their experiences rather than their race. He noted that giving too much importance to the color of a person’s skin goes against our constitutional history.
Students for Fair Admissions, a group advocating for equal opportunities, brought the case to the U.S. court system. They believed that Asian and white students were being unfairly disadvantaged in the admissions process, as some spots were reserved for Black students. The ruling sparked debates about diversity and the fairness of college admissions.
In response to the decision, many universities announced plans to change their application requirements and focus on learning about applicants’ life experiences. These changes will be implemented for students applying to college in early 2024. Looking ahead, activists are now turning their attention to challenging legacy admissions, which give preference to students with family ties to the institution.
The Return of International Students
2023 saw a significant increase in the number of international students studying in the United States, with Indian students leading the way. While Chinese students have historically been the largest group of international students, their numbers have been declining. However, the influx of 269,000 Indian students has compensated for this decline, bringing the overall number of international students back to pre-pandemic levels.
This surge in Indian students can be attributed, in part, to new rules implemented by President Joe Biden’s administration. These rules allow students who complete STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs to stay in the U.S. for additional work experience. University leaders across the country have expressed enthusiasm about the increase in Indian students, but they also recognize that this trend may not be sustainable in the long term.
Questioning the Value of a College Degree
As international students return to the United States, many American young people are starting to question the value of a college degree. The declining number of American college-age students seeking higher education predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s young people are finding lucrative job opportunities even without a college degree, leading some to consider the high cost of attending college as unjustifiable.
West Virginia, in particular, has experienced a decline in its population, impacting the state’s public university, West Virginia University (WVU). The university’s main campus now has around 25,000 students, a 10 percent decrease from 2015. WVU has been forced to address a $45 million budget deficit, resulting in the elimination of certain study programs, potential job losses for educators, and concerns about the state’s future.
Similar challenges have been faced by small colleges and universities nationwide, with some institutions even closing their doors in 2023. Alliance University in New York City, for example, succumbed to financial difficulties and had to shut down. The closure of small schools has raised concerns within the higher education community, as many worry about the long-term impact on accessibility and diversity in education.
Controversies Surrounding Ivy League Presidents
In a highly publicized incident, Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, stepped down from her position in early December 2023. Magill, along with presidents from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, appeared in front of Congress to address concerns about antisemitic protests on their campuses. Lawmakers questioned whether calls for violence against Jewish people should be against school rules.
While Magill resigned under pressure from influential donors and alumni, Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT’s Sally Kornbluth managed to retain their positions despite facing both support and criticism. The incident sparked a broader discussion about the role of colleges and universities in managing free speech and whether political pressure should influence their policies.
Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Higher Education
As we reflect on the top stories and developments in higher education in 2023, it’s essential to consider what the future holds for colleges and universities. While the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, several key trends are likely to shape the coming years:
- Emphasis on Individual Experiences: Following the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, universities will prioritize understanding the unique experiences of applicants, moving away from race-based considerations.
- Changing Demographics: The rise of Indian students and the decline in American college-age students highlight the changing demographics of higher education. Colleges and universities need to adapt and attract a diverse student body to thrive.
- Reevaluating the Value of a College Degree: The increasing skepticism about the value of a college degree requires institutions to demonstrate the practical benefits and career prospects that come with higher education.
- Financial Challenges for Small Institutions: The closure of small colleges raises concerns about the financial viability of these institutions. Colleges must find innovative approaches to sustainability or face potential closures.
- Balancing Free Speech and Responsibility: The controversies surrounding Ivy League presidents underscore the need for colleges and universities to strike a balance between protecting free speech and addressing harmful or hateful speech on campus.
As we move into the future, it is crucial for higher education institutions to adapt and respond to these trends while upholding their core mission of providing quality education and fostering an inclusive learning environment.