U.S. colleges are losing their edge as cuts, high costs, fewer international students, and departing scholars weaken American universities.

Higher Education

Once Globally Preeminent, U.S. Universities Are Sliding Into Decline

by Jon Marcus August 17, 2026August 17, 2026

High costs, political attacks take a toll as fewer students come, top scholars leave.

General overall aerial view of Cal State LA, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Los Angeles.

Economy

Trump’s Catastrophic War on Global Talent

by Markos Kounalakis February 10, 2026February 9, 2026

Podcast

Why Harvard Might Be Forced to Cave to Trump

by Anne Kim August 5, 2025August 5, 2025

Higher Education

Trump’s War on International Students

by The Editors June 11, 2025July 16, 2025

Support the Washington Monthly

Founded in 1969, the Washington Monthly is an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission: To preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.

We’re not a subsidiary of a giant media company or a mouthpiece for ideologues. We’re independent, listened to by insiders and willing to take on sacred cows—liberal and conservative.

Yes, I'll Make a Donation

International students

Once Globally Preeminent, U.S. Universities Are Sliding Into Decline

Trump’s Catastrophic War on Global Talent

Why Harvard Might Be Forced to Cave to Trump

Trump’s War on International Students

The Feminist Was a Spy

A Fitting End for Trump’s Gaudy Ballroom

The New Normal in Kyiv, Ukraine

How to Build a Big Tent

The Swastika and the Red Hat

A Different Kind of College Ranking

After the Closures

Never miss an article!