Universities disclosed billions in international funding, extra faculties expanded tuition-free applications, lawmakers warned of rising non-public pupil mortgage reliance, and one small non-public college confirmed it should shut its doorways. In the meantime, states are experimenting with options, from paid internship pipelines to obligatory monetary literacy training.
Right here’s a fast take a look at crucial tales shaping increased training and pupil funds this week for February 13, 2026.
🎓 Headlines at a Look
- U.S. faculties report $5.2 billion in international funding disclosures.
- The variety of tuition-free faculty applications continues to develop.
- Lawmakers warn tighter federal mortgage limits may drive non-public borrowing.
- Lourdes College broadcasts it should shut.
- Virginia relaunches a paid internship program for faculty college students.
- Mississippi advances a monetary literacy requirement for top schoolers.
Would you want to avoid wasting this?
1. U.S. Universities Report $5.2 Billion in International Funding
The Division of Training launched a brand new web site to trace international funding in increased training.
Schools throughout the nation disclosed greater than $5.2 billion in international presents and contracts below federal transparency necessities. Establishments together with Harvard College, Carnegie Mellon College, and Massachusetts Institute of Know-how reported important worldwide funding streams.
The disclosures come amid heightened scrutiny over international affect, nationwide safety considerations, and transparency in increased training financing.
➡️ Impression: International funding performs a serious function in analysis budgets and institutional funds. Adjustments in oversight or restrictions may have an effect on analysis applications, graduate funding, and even tuition selections over time.
2. Free Tuition Applications Proceed to Increase
A rising variety of faculties are providing tuition-free pathways for low- and middle-income college students. Almost 1,000 tuition-free applications now function throughout dozens of states, spanning neighborhood faculties, public universities, and a few non-public establishments.
These applications sometimes cowl tuition however could not embody housing, charges, or dwelling prices. Many do require FAFSA completion and have revenue thresholds.
➡️ Impression: Tuition-free doesn’t imply cost-free, however it may well dramatically cut back pupil mortgage borrowing. Households ought to rigorously evaluate internet worth, not simply sticker worth, when evaluating these gives.
3. Lawmakers Warn of Rising Non-public Pupil Mortgage Demand
Senate Democrats launched a report (PDF File) warning that new federal pupil mortgage borrowing caps may push extra college students towards non-public pupil loans. As limits tighten on graduate and dad or mum borrowing below current reforms, non-public lenders are anticipated to see elevated demand.
Non-public loans sometimes carry increased rates of interest and fewer borrower protections than federal loans.
➡️ Impression: Debtors filling gaps with non-public loans ought to perceive compensation phrases, cosigner necessities, and the shortage of income-driven compensation choices. Nevertheless, some non-public lenders at the moment are even providing income-driven compensation.
4. Lourdes College Proclaims Closure
Lourdes College, a small non-public Catholic establishment in Ohio, confirmed it should shut on the finish of the educational yr, citing monetary instability and enrollment challenges.
College students are being provided switch assist, however closures typically end in disrupted diploma timelines and extra monetary pressure.
➡️ Impression: Faculty closures are a reminder that institutional monetary well being issues. College students ought to overview enrollment tendencies, monetary stability indicators, and accreditation standing earlier than committing. A minimum of 16 faculties closed in 2025, and that quantity is anticipated to rise within the coming years.
5. Virginia Relaunches Paid Internship Program
Virginia relaunched its statewide internship initiative (InternshipsVA), connecting faculty college students with paid work alternatives throughout private and non-private sectors. This system goals to strengthen workforce pipelines whereas serving to college students earn revenue throughout college. This was considered one of Spanberger’s marketing campaign guarantees.
➡️ Impression: Paid internships can offset dwelling prices, cut back borrowing, and enhance post-graduation employment outcomes.
6. Mississippi Advances Monetary Literacy Invoice
Mississippi lawmakers superior a invoice requiring stronger monetary literacy training for college students, overlaying matters akin to budgeting, credit score, saving, and accountable borrowing. The invoice would make college students full a monetary literacy class as a highschool commencement requirement.
If enacted, the coverage would goal to equip college students with higher instruments earlier than they tackle pupil loans or different types of debt.
➡️ Impression: Monetary literacy training straight influences long-term outcomes — together with how college students borrow for faculty and handle compensation afterward. Over 28 states at the moment have comparable necessities.
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Editor: Colin Graves
The put up This Week In Faculty And Cash Information: February 13, 2026 appeared first on The Faculty Investor.
