10 News a Day: U.S. Education and International Student Affairs – April 2025

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2 Billion Grant Freeze 

Source: PBS News 

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government after the Trump administration froze billions of dollars in federal grants intended for crucial academic research. This move followed the administration’s demands for Harvard to alter its policies on student activism, particularly regarding anti-Semitism and diversity initiatives. The funding freeze affects over $2 billion in federal grants, crucial for supporting university research, including groundbreaking work in medicine and social sciences. Harvard argues that this action violates academic freedom and will significantly hinder essential research, potentially impacting hundreds of academic projects and millions of students and faculty nationwide. 

Read more: Harvard Sues Over Funding Freeze

Millions of Student Loan Borrowers to Face Collection After Pandemic Protections End 

Source: NPR 

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will resume collecting on defaulted federal student loans starting next month, ending the temporary relief period that began during the pandemic. This move affects more than 5 million borrowers who have defaulted on their loans. The resumption of loan collections could result in wage garnishment and withholding of tax refunds for borrowers who continue to miss payments. These measures are expected to create a financial burden for many students, including international students who might also rely on loans. As the U.S. works to normalize loan repayments, it is important for borrowers to carefully review their financial aid options and repayment plans to avoid future complications. 

Read more: Defaulted Student Loans Collection Restart

Health Coverage Among U.S. College Students Reaches 92%, But Gaps Persist 

Source: Diverse Education 

A report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that 92% of U.S. college students aged 18-64 had health insurance coverage in 2022, a significant increase from 81% in 2010. The surge in coverage is largely attributed to the Affordable Care Act. However, the report also found that 1.6 million students remained uninsured, with disparities among racial groups. American Indian or Alaska Native students had an uninsured rate of 18.3%, while Hispanic students were 13.1% uninsured, and Black students 9.7%, compared to just 5.2% of White students. States that did not expand Medicaid had double the uninsured rate compared to those that did. These gaps in coverage remain a significant issue in ensuring equitable access to health services for all students. 

Read more: College Student Health Coverage Disparities

Supreme Court Debates Public School LGBTQ+ Book Bans 

Source: NPR 

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating on a case involving a Maryland school district’s decision to include LGBTQ+ storybooks in its elementary school curriculum. This case, which has sparked intense debate, revolves around balancing local educational control with parents’ rights to avoid content they consider inappropriate for their children based on religious beliefs. Some parents argue that these materials conflict with their values and advocate for the ability to opt out of such classes. This case is pivotal in the ongoing national conversation about inclusivity in education and the extent to which parents can control what is taught in public schools. 

Read more: Supreme Court Reviews LGBTQ+ Book Bans

Asia’s Re-Regionalization of Higher Education Offers Opportunities for Local Students 

Source: The PIE News 

A new trend of re-regionalization in Asia’s higher education system has been noted, driven by demographic shifts, increased student mobility, and the rise of Asian universities in global rankings. Intra-Asian student mobility has grown significantly, with students increasingly looking closer to home for quality educational opportunities. This shift is positioning Asia as a major center for higher education in the 21st century, with universities in countries like China, India, and Japan rising in international rankings. This trend provides growing opportunities for local students, as well as international students from other regions, including those from China, looking to study in culturally familiar and high-quality environments. 

Read more: Asia’s Higher Education Re-Regionalization

International Student Recruitment Faces Increased Scrutiny and Regulation 

Source: The PIE News 

Increased scrutiny of international student recruitment is underway in major destination countries such as the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada. With the surge in international student numbers, governments are tightening regulations to ensure that recruitment practices remain transparent and high-quality. This shift emphasizes the importance of integrity within the recruitment sector, urging institutions to work with reputable education agents. The heightened scrutiny highlights the challenges faced by education agents and institutions in maintaining ethical practices amidst growing competition in the international education market. 

Read more: International Student Recruitment and Regulation

Study Abroad Programs Enhance Career Competence and Employability 

Source: ForumEA 

A recent webinar focused on the significant connection between study abroad programs and career success. Key insights shared by experts indicated that employers are increasingly looking for graduates who possess global competencies, including adaptability, teamwork, and independence. These skills are often developed through international study experiences. Education abroad professionals are now being urged to better prepare students to showcase these competencies to future employers, providing them with the necessary skills for personal and professional development. 

Read more: Study Abroad and Career Development

How to Avoid Common College Savings Mistakes 

Source: Schwab 

When planning for college costs in the U.S., families often make critical mistakes that can affect their financial stability. Common errors include underestimating the cost of college, misunderstanding financial aid eligibility, and failing to account for the impact of assets. Financial experts warn that planning ahead and understanding the nuances of the FAFSA application process can prevent these costly mistakes. For Chinese families planning to invest in U.S. higher education, this insight emphasizes the importance of careful financial planning to avoid unexpected debt and ensure long-term affordability. 

Read more: Avoid College Savings Mistakes

Harvard Faces Legal Action Over Foreign Gifts and Tax Exemption Scrutiny 

Source: Inside Higher Ed 

The U.S. Department of Education has requested detailed records from Harvard University regarding foreign gifts and the university’s relationships with international students. This investigation, which has resurfaced under the Trump administration, raises concerns about transparency in the funding of U.S. universities and the potential consequences for international collaborations. For Chinese parents, this scrutiny may create concerns about the future of international student exchanges and the overall environment of U.S. higher education institutions. 

Read more: Harvard Under Scrutiny Over Foreign Gifts

1,680 International Students’ Visa Terminations Spark Widespread Concerns

Source: Inside Higher Ed

Over 1,680 international students in the U.S. have had their SEVIS records terminated by the federal government in the past month. This action, unlike standard terminations by universities, is linked to students' interactions with law enforcement, even minor offenses. This wave of terminations has left students and universities grappling with uncertainty over the future of international education in the U.S. Lawsuits are being filed, and the situation has raised alarms about the fairness of the U.S. immigration system and its impact on students’ academic progress.

Read more: Student Visa Terminations