Robert Kelchen
@robertkelchen.com
Professor & department head, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I study higher ed finance, accountability, and financial aid. Washington Monthly rankings data editor. Dad, gardener, and baker. Personal account.
https://robertkelchen.com/
https://robertkelchen.com/
There has been a bit of whiplash on the topic in 2025.
President Donald Trump defended allowing foreign students to study in the US as a "good" practice and pushed back on a call to reduce their numbers
Trump Defends Foreign Students as ‘Good’ for US Universities
President Donald Trump defended allowing foreign students to study in the US as a “good” practice and pushed back on a call to reduce their numbers, saying it would be financially destructive to the nation’s higher education system.
bloom.bg
November 11, 2025 at 10:09 AM
There has been a bit of whiplash on the topic in 2025.
A preliminary report came out from the National Student Clearinghouse on fall 2025 enrollment, but I'm not going to comment on trends until final data are released in January. I appreciate the service, but the spread between preliminary and final data has gotten too wide in recent years.
November 11, 2025 at 10:07 AM
A preliminary report came out from the National Student Clearinghouse on fall 2025 enrollment, but I'm not going to comment on trends until final data are released in January. I appreciate the service, but the spread between preliminary and final data has gotten too wide in recent years.
Two groups representing community colleges are asking ACE to pull its new Carnegie classification on access and earnings over methodological disagreements.
It's tricky for an association to effectively rate its members, and here is the first pushback after Carnegie left Indiana.
It's tricky for an association to effectively rate its members, and here is the first pushback after Carnegie left Indiana.
Community College Leaders Dispute Carnegie Classification
Carnegie’s new Student Access and Earnings Classification has stirred up controversy among community college advocates. Carnegie is standing by its approach.
www.insidehighered.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Two groups representing community colleges are asking ACE to pull its new Carnegie classification on access and earnings over methodological disagreements.
It's tricky for an association to effectively rate its members, and here is the first pushback after Carnegie left Indiana.
It's tricky for an association to effectively rate its members, and here is the first pushback after Carnegie left Indiana.
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
I took a quick look at the debt and earnings levels of programs that the negotiated rulemaking committee deemed "professional," as well as other large doctoral programs that were excluded (in spite of having better debt-to-earnings ratios).
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
November 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I took a quick look at the debt and earnings levels of programs that the negotiated rulemaking committee deemed "professional," as well as other large doctoral programs that were excluded (in spite of having better debt-to-earnings ratios).
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
I told y'all, the compact failed. They've pivoted back to one-off deals with institutions.
UNC-Chapel Hill's chancellor says the university will not sign on to a higher education compact from the Trump administration.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
www.wunc.org/education/20...
After faculty raise concerns, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor says university will not sign Trump's higher ed compact
Lee Roberts called the "preferential treatment" proposal a clear infringement on academic freedom.
www.wunc.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I told y'all, the compact failed. They've pivoted back to one-off deals with institutions.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
🚨Calling all education+social science researchers! 🚨
For the second time ever, Common App is hosting an open Call for Research Proposals to solicit innovative and rigorous research projects using our expansive (& still mostly untapped) data warehouse!
www.commonapp.org/files/DAR/Co...
For the second time ever, Common App is hosting an open Call for Research Proposals to solicit innovative and rigorous research projects using our expansive (& still mostly untapped) data warehouse!
www.commonapp.org/files/DAR/Co...
November 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
🚨Calling all education+social science researchers! 🚨
For the second time ever, Common App is hosting an open Call for Research Proposals to solicit innovative and rigorous research projects using our expansive (& still mostly untapped) data warehouse!
www.commonapp.org/files/DAR/Co...
For the second time ever, Common App is hosting an open Call for Research Proposals to solicit innovative and rigorous research projects using our expansive (& still mostly untapped) data warehouse!
www.commonapp.org/files/DAR/Co...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
ED will let students take out $200k of federal loans for a chiropractic or theology degree with average earnings of ~$60k but only $100k for a nursing or business degree with earnings over $120k
I took a quick look at the debt and earnings levels of programs that the negotiated rulemaking committee deemed "professional," as well as other large doctoral programs that were excluded (in spite of having better debt-to-earnings ratios).
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
November 10, 2025 at 7:14 PM
ED will let students take out $200k of federal loans for a chiropractic or theology degree with average earnings of ~$60k but only $100k for a nursing or business degree with earnings over $120k
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Lol look at education shining
November 10, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Lol look at education shining
The Higher Learning Commission's ability to accredit is also likely under review by the federal government as a result of this action.
The U.S. Air Force Academy's academic accreditation is under review following a formal complaint that the institution no longer has sufficient Ph.D.-level faculty as the federal government reduces its civilian workforce // Story by @thenoellephillips.bsky.social
Air Force Academy’s accreditation under review after cuts to civilian faculty
Concerned alumni and former faculty told The Denver Post they believe the academy is losing too many civilian Ph.D.-level instructors without the ability to replace them with qualified military mem…
www.denverpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The Higher Learning Commission's ability to accredit is also likely under review by the federal government as a result of this action.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
A play in two acts:
November 10, 2025 at 3:24 PM
A play in two acts:
I took a quick look at the debt and earnings levels of programs that the negotiated rulemaking committee deemed "professional," as well as other large doctoral programs that were excluded (in spite of having better debt-to-earnings ratios).
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
November 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I took a quick look at the debt and earnings levels of programs that the negotiated rulemaking committee deemed "professional," as well as other large doctoral programs that were excluded (in spite of having better debt-to-earnings ratios).
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
robertkelchen.com/2025/11/10/e...
I'm a bit surprised that schools aren't closed today with this bit of snow last night and a chance of snow showers this afternoon.
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I'm a bit surprised that schools aren't closed today with this bit of snow last night and a chance of snow showers this afternoon.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
New evidence on how ICE is affecting student learning
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erU5Oe0vJYdVjuqQi4sfhUGxS0BGjWl8/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erU5Oe0vJYdVjuqQi4sfhUGxS0BGjWl8/view?usp=drivesdk
November 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM
New evidence on how ICE is affecting student learning
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erU5Oe0vJYdVjuqQi4sfhUGxS0BGjWl8/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erU5Oe0vJYdVjuqQi4sfhUGxS0BGjWl8/view?usp=drivesdk
The negotiated rulemaking session on defining professional programs essentially just added clinical psychology to the bare minimum required by law, even though the law gives more leeway to include other programs. This will end up in court.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
November 10, 2025 at 9:57 AM
The negotiated rulemaking session on defining professional programs essentially just added clinical psychology to the bare minimum required by law, even though the law gives more leeway to include other programs. This will end up in court.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
in 1984, after SCOTUS allowed conferences/schools to negotiate CFB TV contracts themselves instead of everything going through the NCAA, this was the very first new deal signed.
No joke, they used to show Ivy League football on PBS.
November 8, 2025 at 1:04 AM
in 1984, after SCOTUS allowed conferences/schools to negotiate CFB TV contracts themselves instead of everything going through the NCAA, this was the very first new deal signed.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Cornell basically got the same "deal" UVA got, but they're forking over $30 million as well.
Cornell has reached an agreement with the federal government to restore our funding:
statements.cornell.edu/2025/2025110...
statements.cornell.edu/2025/2025110...
An agreement to restore Cornell’s federal research funding | University Statements | Cornell University
statements.cornell.edu
November 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Cornell basically got the same "deal" UVA got, but they're forking over $30 million as well.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Elwood Watson of East Tennessee State takes the measure of various college rankings and finds @washingtonmonthly.com to be the best for most students. www.myjournalcourier.com/opinion/arti...
Commentary: A different way to rank colleges — Elwood Watson
Commentary: Washington Monthly has published rankings with the intent of avoiding what the most prestigious rankings seek to reward: an institution’s wealth, prestige, and exclusivity.
www.myjournalcourier.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Elwood Watson of East Tennessee State takes the measure of various college rankings and finds @washingtonmonthly.com to be the best for most students. www.myjournalcourier.com/opinion/arti...
While small colleges will have higher per-student operating costs, New College of Florida is blowing that out of the water. The state is asking more questions as their US News ranking is down 60 spots in recent years.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
November 7, 2025 at 10:31 AM
While small colleges will have higher per-student operating costs, New College of Florida is blowing that out of the water. The state is asking more questions as their US News ranking is down 60 spots in recent years.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
In a surprising development, the federal negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on the list of programs that count as professional (and thus have higher loan limits than other graduate programs).
Graduate Programs Will Soon Feel the Brunt of Loan Caps as Changes to Federal Aid Advance
If fewer students can afford to enroll, higher-ed advocates say, colleges may struggle to sustain many of their master’s and professional degrees.
www.chronicle.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:05 AM
In a surprising development, the federal negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on the list of programs that count as professional (and thus have higher loan limits than other graduate programs).
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
also, none from SC, where one of the commission's staff is from
November 6, 2025 at 7:51 PM
also, none from SC, where one of the commission's staff is from
Tennessee is notably absent, as are flagship institutions.
From today's FL Bd. of Gov meeting, the Commission for Public Higher Ed, announced cohort of 10 colleges to test its standards:
Texas A&M: Kingsville, Texarkana
U System of GA: Columbus State, Ga. Southern
SUS FL: FL Polytech, FL Atlantic U
UNC: App State, NC Central
FL State colleges: Chipola
Texas A&M: Kingsville, Texarkana
U System of GA: Columbus State, Ga. Southern
SUS FL: FL Polytech, FL Atlantic U
UNC: App State, NC Central
FL State colleges: Chipola
November 6, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Tennessee is notably absent, as are flagship institutions.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Matt Rhule says his staff is jumping on calls to get the air travel plans figured out as the shutdown nears 40 days.
Government Shutdown Could Affect Nebraska's Travel to UCLA
Nebraska football's trip west could run into some interruptions over the next couple of days. 'Our travel plans are very up in the air right now because of the
www.si.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Matt Rhule says his staff is jumping on calls to get the air travel plans figured out as the shutdown nears 40 days.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
A college athlete investing in a pro sports team. Amazing how things have changed in the last 5-10 years.
The Legacy just added a game-changer ⭐️
Basketball star JuJu Watkins is joining Boston Legacy FC as an investor, helping shape the next era of women’s sports in the city of champions.
Basketball star JuJu Watkins is joining Boston Legacy FC as an investor, helping shape the next era of women’s sports in the city of champions.
November 6, 2025 at 3:28 PM
A college athlete investing in a pro sports team. Amazing how things have changed in the last 5-10 years.
Educational administration programs across the country tend to have high tuition discount rates because they help colleges keep and retain employees.
At my last job, this became an issue and I capped the number of student employees. They weren't happy.
www.highereddive.com/news/univers...
At my last job, this became an issue and I capped the number of student employees. They weren't happy.
www.highereddive.com/news/univers...
November 6, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Educational administration programs across the country tend to have high tuition discount rates because they help colleges keep and retain employees.
At my last job, this became an issue and I capped the number of student employees. They weren't happy.
www.highereddive.com/news/univers...
At my last job, this became an issue and I capped the number of student employees. They weren't happy.
www.highereddive.com/news/univers...