Five predictions for higher education in 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, we welcome 2026 with excitement and a bit of hesitation. The year 2025 was a hot mess looking from one angle seeing the violence on campuses, the dismantling of the Department of Education, and the limitations put on international education. The year 2025 was amazing from other angles seeing new AI tools used for good to help students study, breakthroughs in science and healthcare, and celebrating one more graduating class.
Here are our top five predictions for 2026 based on our observations.
1. Decline in international enrollments
International higher education will continue to be a challenge in 2026. International relations are tense to say the least with escalations in every continent. We hope a war won’t break out, but it will so the only question is to what scale and will it include any of the super powers.
Of the top destination countries for international students (USA, UK, Canada, Australia), each one is making missteps. US student visas became more difficult to obtain, and given the US’s recent moves to limit student visas from countries including Nigeria. The Pie News predicts this will decrease first-year international enrollments by 30-40 percent (source). There are ongoing conversations in Washington DC about possibly reducing or eliminating Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is what allows international students to remain in the US and work while still being on a student visa.
2. Rolled back technology in the classroom
AI will continue to cause issues in the classroom as it has in 2025. Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, students have been using it and alternatives in the classroom at professors’ dismay. Technology continues to improve with no end in sight, so who knows what capabilities AI will have in 2026 and how students will try to use it to pass classes.
In turn, we predict teachers will return to old technology in the classroom for testing. Some professors have started using Scantrons, presentations, and hand-written exams – none of which can be tampered with using AI. The question ultimately will be how many teachers will go to this length to test students’ knowledge, and how many continue to use modern technology that will let students fall on the sword and risk a 0 by using AI.
3. Omnichannel marketing is needed to reach students
What is Omnichannel Marketing? It’s marketing that uses all channels to reach an audience. If a car dealership wanted to use omnichannel marketing to reach your Uncle Bob and Aunt Lisa, they would advertise on TV during the news, advertise on Facebook, run PPC ads on Google, run video ads on YouTube, and influence on TikTok.
An omnichannel marketing strategy to reach prospective students would include influence on TikTok, ads on Instagram, video ads on YouTube, audio ads on Spotify, and text engagement.
4. More interest in AI-proof careers
AI is reshaping the workforce. Recent graduates might not be getting jobs like before – especially in tech. Getting a job after graduating has always been a top concern, but especially now that the economy is slowing and there are fewer jobs.
Expect an increased interest in healthcare and other hands-on professions. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and similar health professions are AI proof because they will always require a trained professional to literally get hands on with patients. Welding, electricians, truck driving, and other trades are also AI proof.
5. Student safety and peace on campus will be golden
Recent unfortunate events have shown that any campus can fall victim to violence. Also, the protection of free speech on campus has been blurred with the tolerance of hate speech on campus which brings hostility and violence at times.
Parents do not want to send their child to a campus that is not safe or where they may be verbally attacked for who they are. Campus safety will be a top priority for parents and students for Fall 2026. And this isn’t just a school president or dean deflecting questions in a press conference, but actual steps taken to prioritize safety on campus. Oregon State University for example has buttons throughout campus and when pushed an officer will be there quickly. Students can push these buttons to be escorted in the dark, taken to their car, or whenever a student does not feel safe. These will be very attractive to students and parents.
