Harvard University's endowment reached nearly $57 billion in 2025, driven by strong investment returns of 11.9%, and received a record $600 million in donations, despite political and funding challenges from the Trump administration.
Former Harvard President Claudine Gay publicly criticizes Harvard's perceived compliance with White House demands, condemning recent program cuts, donor influence, and political pressures, and urges the university to resist political and donor interference to maintain academic integrity.
Maryland colleges, heavily reliant on international students especially from China, face financial and operational challenges if U.S. visa restrictions tighten, with recent visa revocations and scrutiny raising concerns about the impact on universities and their communities.
Despite a planned increase in tuition fees, nearly three-quarters of universities in England are expected to face financial difficulties next year, with a forecasted £1.6 billion deficit across the sector. The Office for Students (OfS) suggests that radical changes, including course closures and mergers, may be necessary for financial stability. The decline in both domestic and international student recruitment has exacerbated the situation, prompting calls for universities to cut costs and rethink their offerings. The government is reviewing long-term funding and reforms for universities, with potential further tuition fee increases under consideration.