2026 Higher Ed Top Risks and Challenges

HigherEdRisk Editorial

<h3>Happy 2026!</h3>It's time to share <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-primary underline cursor-pointer XAIccGRXYGJrKwyyJYDCGhNgTWY " href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/higheredrisk/">HigherEdRisk</a>'s predictions for the top risks and challenges for 2026. These predictions are intended to be viewed at the macro level across the higher education sector.<ol><li>Enrollment Risk (Workplace Outcomes): While this is not a top risk for Ivy League or global elite universities, it's impossible to ignore the correlation between workplace outcomes and enrollment decisions. Much of current public discourse is focused upon a single question: "Does this degree lead to 'a good job'?" Institutions unable to answer "yes" with data will face enrollment decline. Students comparison-shop programs based on graduate earnings, and with increased regulatory efforts focusing on this topic and more transparency, this risk may evolve into a compliance risk. Demonstrating clear degree ROI is no longer optional; it’s an essential risk mitigation tool. As Scott White at Forbes notes, "Colleges should restructure their programs so that graduates leave with more than just a diploma. Every degree should incorporate an industry-recognized credential that aligns with real-world job markets." For more ideas on mitigating this risk, we have an entire article dedicated to the topic in our upcoming Winter/Spring edition!</li><li>AI drives multiple risks: <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-primary underline cursor-pointer XAIccGRXYGJrKwyyJYDCGhNgTWY " href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7411946810187051008?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAIM6s4BJCcxNFvFKsgkYO