Our Favorite Stories of 2025

From scoops gleaned through public records requests to deep analyses of current events, these were some of the Inside Higher Ed team’s favorite articles of this tumultuous year.

The In-and-Out List

As the calendar flips over, Inside Higher Ed looks back at what happened in 2025 and what could be in store for 2026, with the return of our in-and-out list.

26 Stats for 2026

Inside Higher Ed compiled some key data points of the year, outlining new and continuing trends in the student experience and perceptions of higher education.

The Colleges That Couldn’t Survive 2025

At least 15 nonprofit institutions announced closures this year due to enrollment and financial challenges, down from 16 last year. There were also fewer mergers announced.

Quick Takes

Opinion

Views

Opinion
The Most Popular Views of 2025

Read on for a recap of the 12 most-read Inside Higher Ed views pieces of the last year.

Opinion
Demagogy or Pedagogy? A Better Way to Approach Antisemitism on Campus

Policing speech about Israel is counterproductive.

Columns

Opinion
Intersession Courses

This is one of those posts in which I count on my wise and worldly readers for insight.

Opinion
Books Reviewed in 2025

Recommendations for 2026?

Career Advice

Opinion
The Most-Read Career Advice of 2025

Read on for a recap of the 12 most popular career advice pieces from the past year.

Opinion
Stop Making Bad Research Posters

New research suggests a better way.

Resources

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Peer-to-Peer Advice

Campus offers resources for faculty and staff.

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Events & Webinars

Enjoy lively discussions about trending topics.

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Data & Analysis

Download reports, surveys and more.

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Membership

Gain next-level resources and insights.

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  • How to Make Co-Creation Work in Your Teaching

    Find out why and how to collaborate with students to co-create elements of their learning, from a leading expert on co-creation in higher education.

  • The Real-World Power of Soft Skills

    How do universities ensure their curricula meet the demands from industry, government and students for career-ready graduates equipped with vital transferable skills? Three experts explain how institutions are working to align higher education and skills development.

Student Voice: Amplified

Student Voice, Inside Higher Ed’s ongoing survey and reporting series, seeks to elevate the student voice in institutional student success efforts and in broader conversations about how higher education can better—and best—serve students. Questions touch on academic life; health and wellness (including financial health); the college experience outside the classroom; preparing for life after college; affordability and cost of attendance; trust and more. 

Our annual survey of 5,065 two- and four-year students is supplemented by smaller flash surveys on timely topics. Student Voice is an independent editorial project presented with The Generation Lab. The 2025-2026 survey cycle, Student Voice: Amplified, is supported by the Gates Foundation.