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The Hill
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump just forced out another college president over DEI
The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its war on higher education, using the threat of withholding federal funding to force the resignation of Jim Ryan, the University of Virginia's president of seven years. The purported crime warranting this unprecedented demand? Not moving quickly enough to roll back the decades of progress the school has made in becoming a more diverse and welcoming environment to students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds. The ninth president in the university's history, Ryan has been an effective and highly regarded leader, shepherding the university through challenges and tragedies with a steady hand. Under his leadership, research funding and applications to the university have hit record highs, and it has maintained the highest graduation rates of any public university. Today, UVA is ranked No.1 in the nation for free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and No. 2 for best value among public universities, according to the Princeton Review. Ryan has made open dialogue about how to make the university better a hallmark of his presidency, welcoming good-faith input from across the ideological spectrum. This legacy of thoughtful and effective leadership is now reportedly being muscled aside by a bad-faith act of stunning executive overreach. We must be clear-eyed about what it is to coerce an ouster under threat of financial ruin — it is an assault not only on UVA, but on the very principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and democratic governance. There is no justifiable basis for this action. The move appears to be rooted in President Trump's January executive order seeking to purge diversity, equity and inclusion programs from public and private institutions across the country. The underlying demand, of course, is itself a staggering act of presidential overreach. Executive orders are not laws, and they are not royal decrees. They are strongly worded suggestions with force that stops at the borders of the executive branch. They are in no way intended to compel private or state entities to reorder themselves according to the preferences or whims of any one president. Yet now the Justice Department seeks to usurp the independence and governance of both UVA and the Commonwealth that oversees it. In so doing, it is relying on a perverse reading of the laws of our country that treats any gesture toward a more inclusive society as ipso facto illegal, ignoring the plain meaning of American civil rights statutes and decades of case law. And in the process of pursuing its own rogue interpretation of those laws, the Justice Department is placing an overtly unconstitutional curb on both free expression and state sovereignty. This is also a profoundly troubling sign the Trump administration is willing to sabotage American global leadership in pursuit of narrow political goals. Federal funds for higher education are not gifts or acts of charity. They are disbursed through grants and contracts that institutions often earn through fiercely competitive processes that have for decades played a central role in making American colleges and universities the envy of the world in research and academics. There could be few actions more short-sighted and self-defeating for the future of the country than taking a sledgehammer to higher education to flex power and impose a top-down ideology. Yet that is precisely what the Justice Department seeks to do here. In the face of this threat, it is incumbent on leaders in Congress and in the Commonwealth of Virginia to stand up and speak. Regardless of political persuasion, Virginians and the American people should not and cannot tolerate any administration unconstitutionally seeking to bend the institutions that have made the country great to its will and ideology. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), the university's Board of Visitors, and lawmakers across Virginia and the country must make it absolutely clear that it is unacceptable for American taxpayers' money to be used as a cudgel or bargaining chip to cow our institutions into obeisance. As has already been seen through the Trump administration's actions targeting other universities, failure to forcefully push back will only fuel more and more overreach. In the earliest days of the republic, Thomas Jefferson wrote in his Notes on the State of Virginia that 'public money and public liberty,' intended to be spread across the branches of government 'but found inadvertently to be in the hands of one only, will soon be discovered to be sources of wealth and dominion to those who hold them.' Cautioning the Virginia General Assembly to 'look forward to a time' when corruption 'will have seized the heads of government,' Jefferson continued: 'The time to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold, than to trust to drawing his teeth and talons after he shall have entered.' The wolf is now at the door of the university that Jefferson founded. Those with the power to keep it out of the fold must speak now. Ann Brown, who was a member of the University of Virginia's first undergraduate co-ed class and a UVA law graduate, practiced commercial finance law for 45 years. Chris Ford, who graduated from Virginia's Engineering School in 1987, has practiced commercial transactional law for major firms for over 30 years. They are Advisory Council co-chairs of Wahoos4UVA, a group of Virginia alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends that formed to defend UVA from political pressure.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Popular College Majors With High Unemployment Rates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Your college major can play a significant role in the type of job you'll find after graduation and the amount of income you can expect in a salary. But surprisingly, some of the most popular majors have high unemployment rates, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Majors such as computer science and physics had some of the highest unemployment rates, at 6.1 and 7.8 percent, respectively, despite being considered relatively stable STEM fields. "A graduate's degree doesn't guarantee job security, and in some cases, it can make you overqualified and underemployed, especially when debt is involved," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9Innings podcast, told Newsweek. Why It Matters The national unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Choosing certain college majors could significantly increase your chances of going without a job, according to New York Fed data. While some fields may have historically been viewed as more stable and likely to lead to a lucrative career, the new data could shift the way students choose their majors now and in the future. What To Know Computer science ranked seventh among undergraduate majors with the highest unemployment at 6.1 percent, according to the New York Fed. However, it also ranked as number one by the Princeton Review for college majors, showing the tech industry may not be living up to graduates' expectations. According to CollegeFactual, it was the 12th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. The full list of college majors with the highest unemployment rates was as follows: Anthropology, 9.4 percent Physics, 7.8 percent Computer Engineering, 7.5 percent Commercial Art and Graphic Design, 7.2 percent Fine Arts, 7 percent Sociology, 6.7 percent Computer Science, 6.1 percent Chemistry, 6.1 percent Information Systems and Management, 5.6 percent Public Policy and Law, 5.5 percent Graduating college students gather in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Graduating college students gather in Harvard Yard on May 28, 2025, in Cambridge, of these areas of study were far less desirable than computer science, with physics ranking as the 68th most popular major, according to CollegeFactual. Only 9,310 students obtain a bachelor's degree in anthropology each year, according to Niche. And under 7,000 earn their degree in graphic design, although many others enter the field with a slightly different degree title. Fine arts was ranked number 66 in popularity by CollegeFactual, with sociology, chemistry, information systems, and public policy coming in at numbers 25, 51, 314, and 113, respectively. Majors such as nutrition sciences, construction services, and civil engineering had some of the lowest unemployment rates, hovering between 1 percent and as low as 0.4 percent. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "The higher unemployment rates in computer science and computer engineering were unexpected, especially considering the direction of our economy. With AI and chip manufacturing dominating headlines, you'd think these roles would be in high demand. But maybe that's the issue—are these professionals building the very tools that will replace them?" Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "It will undoubtedly shock many to see majors like computer engineering and computer science with unemployment rates as high as their fine arts counterparts, but there are plenty of reasons. These majors were rightfully promoted over the last two decades to many students, as demand for employees in these fields far outweighed the supply of skilled workers available." "Now, unfortunately, these same areas are dealing with oversaturation, more competition when applying for roles, and an industry that has seen layoffs over the last years as many businesses attempt to get more efficient." What Happens Next The unemployment rate for recent college graduates increased to 5.8 percent in March from 4.6 percent the previous year, according to the New York Fed. Moving forward, there could be a continued shift away from both the arts and hard sciences toward trade-focused or more generalized degrees," Thompson said. "Government funding for science and research projects has slowed, and that impacts job creation in these fields. It's possible we're seeing the effects of that play out in the data," he said.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
4 Avon High School students earn perfect ACT scores
AVON, Ohio (WJW) — Four Avon High School students have achieved what only a fraction of test takers ever accomplish: a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. Marisa Weller, Leah Carducci, Lily Fitch, and Alex Balthaser were recently recognized for the rare academic feat. Ohio school board makes unanimous decision to suspend high school According to the Princeton Review, about 0.2% of all test takers get a perfect score on the college entrance exam each year. The test evaluates students on English, math, reading and science. The four appeared together Friday on FOX 8 News This Morning, where they spoke about how they prepared. Two of the girls said it was their first time taking the test. 'I was just trying to do my best,' one shared. 'I studied a lot, and it paid off.' 'I looked at a book and did some online prep, and I knew if I didn't do my best, it was OK,' another of the girls said. 'The thing I needed to most focus on was timing,' another said. Mystery surrounds rare bird seen in Kent the past few weeks: 'Not from Ohio' And here's their advice for other test takers: 'Take lots of practice tests to figure out what you need to work on more.' 'Get a good night's sleep.' All four girls are juniors, and they have big plans. One hopes to pursue a degree in neuroscience, another biology or microbiology, one is interested in epidemiology and the fourth plans to go to law school. Find out more in the video at the top of the story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
A Popular College Major Has One of The Highest Unemployment Rates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite routinely ranking as one of the most popular majors for college students and recent graduates, computer science has one of the highest unemployment rates across all areas of study. Computer science ranked seventh amongst undergraduate majors with the highest unemployment at 6.1 percent, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. "Every kid with a laptop thinks they're the next Zuckerberg, but most can't debug their way out of a paper bag," one expert told Newsweek. Why It Matters In recent years, demand for computer science majors grew as a result of the tech boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as major companies like Amazon and Google have laid off thousands of workers to boost profits, the major has lost some of its appeal in the job market. New York University graduates celebrate during commencement ceremonies in Washington Square Park May 10, 2007, in New York City. New York University graduates celebrate during commencement ceremonies in Washington Square Park May 10, 2007, in New York To Know Despite computer science being ranked as number one by the Princeton Review for college majors, the tech industry may not be living up to graduates' expectations. When it came to undergraduate majors with the highest unemployment rates, computer science came in at number seven, even amid its relative popularity. The major saw an unemployment rate of 6.1 percent, just under those top majors like physics and anthropology, which had rates of 7.8 and 9.4 percent respectively. Computer engineering, which at many schools is the same as computer science, had a 7.5 percent unemployment rate, calling into question the job market many computer science graduates are entering. On the other hand, majors like nutrition sciences, construction services and civil engineering had some of the lowest unemployment rates, hovering between 1 percent to as low as 0.4 percent. This data was based on The New York Fed's report, which looked at Census data from 2023 and unemployment rates of recent college graduates. Unemployment among recent graduates more broadly is increasing, with the number of Gen Z households receiving unemployment climbing by 32 percent year over year in February. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates went up to 5.8 percent in March from 4.6 percent last year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. What People Are Saying Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Seeing such a high unemployment rate for majors like computer science may stun many Americans. After all, it's been one of the most encouraged majors in recent years due to the unprecedented need in the field by many businesses." "However, an abundance of those who major in a field doesn't necessarily create more talent, and as many companies have developed more complex needs, they often want employees more skilled with a proven track record of success. As a result, some new graduates may find it more difficult than expected to obtain a job, especially in our current environment where some employers are scaling back." HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: "Computer science majors have long been sold a dream that doesn't match reality. Pick the 'right' major, work hard, and you'll land a stable, high-paying job. But just like many majors and related jobs, the reality hits hard - too many grads, not enough jobs, crippling student debt, and a market that rewards pedigree over potential." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "Every kid with a laptop thinks they're the next Zuckerberg, but most can't debug their way out of a paper bag... We created a gold rush mentality around coding right as the gold ran out. Companies are cutting engineering budgets by 40 percent while CS enrollment hits record highs. It's basic economics. Flood the market, crater the wages." What Happens Next For many computer science roles, you'll have tens of thousands of graduates chasing the job, which now demands years of experience, an impressive GitHub and the ability to work for low pay, Driscoll said. "The problem is the system. We've overproduced degrees without addressing how exploitative and gatekept the tech hiring pipeline has become," Driscoll said. "Entry-level roles are vanishing, unpaid internships are still rampant, and companies are offshoring or automating the very jobs these grads trained for."
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
US Undergraduate Admissions in 2025-26: Challenges & Opportunities
The landscape of US undergraduate admissions in 2025 is more competitive, complex, and stressful than ever before. Students, parents, and educators are navigating a system marked by record application volumes, evolving admissions criteria, and mounting financial pressures-all of which are shaping the outlook for 2026 and beyond. Rising Application Volumes and Intensified Competition This year, the number of college applications has surged yet again. The Class of 2025 submitted over 8 million applications through the Common App, a 6% increase from last year, with schools like NYU experiencing a staggering 53% rise in applications over five years. Public universities, especially in the South and Southwest, are seeing the sharpest growth, making even these options increasingly competitive. For example, Columbia University received nearly 60,000 applications for fewer than 2,500 spots. This phenomenon, known as "application inflation," is creating unpredictable outcomes, even for high-achieving students. The Early Decision Advantage Applying early has become a strategic necessity. Many top universities now fill over half their incoming class through Early Decision or Early Action rounds. The advantage is clear: Emory admitted 28% of Early Decision applicants in 2025, compared to just 8% in Regular Decision. This trend pressures students to make binding choices earlier and can disadvantage those needing to compare financial aid offers. Holistic Admissions and the Decline of Standardized Testing US universities are increasingly adopting holistic admissions, placing greater emphasis on essays, extracurriculars, and personal stories rather than just grades and test scores. The test-optional movement, accelerated by the pandemic, remains strong in 2025, with many schools no longer requiring SAT or ACT scores. As Caroline Linger, Lead Counselor at , explains, 'A holistic approach that considers an applicant's character, personal experiences, and unique perspectives is gaining prominence. Technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, is playing a significant role, making the admissions process more accessible and efficient. Aspiring students must adapt to these changes, emphasizing authenticity, personal growth, and community contribution for a successful application'. Financial Pressures and Parental Concerns The cost of college remains a top concern. According to a 2025 Princeton Review survey, 98% of those surveyed report needing financial aid, and the leading worry for applicants is the 'level of debt to pay for the degree'. This financial anxiety is compounded by the unpredictability of admissions outcomes and the fear of not gaining entry to a Top Tier University or College. Stress and Uncertainty for All Stakeholders The emotional toll is significant: 73% of students and parents report high stress about applications. The unpredictability of results, the pressure to stand out in a crowded field, and the need for strategic planning are pushing families to seek expert guidance and comprehensive support. Looking Ahead to 2026 As the number of high school graduates is projected to decline after 2025, competition for spots at selective institutions is expected to remain fierce, but some less-selective schools may struggle with enrollment. The continued evolution of holistic admissions and the use of technology will further change how applicants are evaluated. For students and families, the key will be adaptability, authenticity, and a well-researched, balanced college list.
