I’m writing to share key updates from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) fall leadership conference in Washington, D.C., which I attended last week.
NAICU serves as the national voice for private, nonprofit higher education, advocating before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies through four committees: Accountability, Student Aid, Tax Policy, and Policy Analysis and Public Relations (on which I serve). The fall meeting is our opportunity to assess emerging policy issues, exchange strategies, and align advocacy efforts—particularly timely given the pace of federal change this year.
What We Need to Know
Several federal policy developments will directly impact Colorado College:
Graduate Student Borrowing: Graduate PLUS loans will terminate July 1, 2026. Additionally, new caps will limit most graduate student borrowing to $20,500 annually and $100,000 total. Those in 10 designated fields (notably excluding teaching) will be allowed an increased cap of up to $50,000 per year and $200,000 total. These changes will affect future MAT students.
Federal Operations and Financial Aid: The recent government shutdown has affected technical assistance and civil rights investigations at the Department of Education. However, I’m pleased to report that FAFSA processing remains on schedule for the upcoming cycle.
International Students and Scholars: Two developments here:
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- H-1B visa registration fees increased to $100,000 per beneficiary as of September 21, 2025, which will significantly impact our ability to hire international faculty and staff.
- International student enrollments across the sector show warning signs—arrivals dropped 19% compared to the same period in 2024. Here at CC, our international student enrollment remains steady with total international student enrollment of 110 in fall 2024 and 106 in fall 2025.
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Research Funding: The research landscape remains volatile. Since mid-April, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has canceled over $1 billion in grants—nearly 90% connected to DEI initiatives. Additionally, the indirect cost cap situation remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges.
Of note, but not currently impacting us:
Endowment Tax: The endowment excise tax structure was revised with new tiered rates. Fortunately, this tax only applies to institutions with 3,000 or more students, so CC remains exempt.
What We’re Monitoring
Several open topics could affect CC down the line:
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- Earning-based program accountability measures currently being designed by the Department of Education
- The status of Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study, and Pell Grants in the House budget reconciliation process
- The possibility that graduate borrowing limits could extend to undergraduate borrowing
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How We’re Taking Action
Colorado College is not sitting idle as these changes unfold. Here’s what we’re doing:
Engaging State and Local Officials: As the Trump Administration emphasizes state-level authority, I’m actively working with Colorado legislators and leaders. I recently met with Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, to share CC’s positive impact on the state. We will also be welcoming state legislators to campus on Nov. 17 for focused conversations about higher education’s role in Colorado’s future.
Building Coalitions: CC is one of three members comprising the Independent Higher Education Council (IHEC), which recently met with the Colorado Department of Higher Education to advocate for consideration in state programming. We also continue our engagement with the Small Colleges Coalition, which we joined to advocate against the endowment tax in the spring semester. The Coalition remains focused on additional issues that could potentially impact small colleges, while keeping an eye on the ten-point compact proposed to some universities earlier this month. Finally, we are strengthening collaborations with Pikes Peak State College and UCCS to demonstrate the collective impact of higher education for all students in our region.
What You Can Do
Stay Informed: Follow reliable sources for higher education policy updates, including NAICU and the American Council on Education (ACE). These organizations provide timely analysis of federal developments.
Vote: With midterm elections approaching, be mindful of the state’s significant influence over higher education. The governor, in particular, shapes student consumer protection measures, transfer credit policies, and occupational licensing requirements. State legislators also determine private institutions’ inclusion in workforce development partnerships, set our tax policies, and oversee state financial aid programs that benefit our students, such as the Colorado Opportunity Fund. I encourage all eligible community members to vote with these considerations in mind.
Looking Ahead
The policy landscape is changing daily, and what I’ve shared is simply a snapshot in time. We’re committed to keeping you informed as developments unfold and to advocating vigorously for Colorado College and the independent higher education sector.
I am happy to discuss how these issues might affect our work at CC during upcoming skip-level meetings or insight forums. Our strength lies in our collective understanding and engagement.
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