In the United States, the barrage of advertising from colleges and universities is unrelenting. Colleges seem to advertise nearly everywhere—on TV, on the internet, and even on subway trains.

In the past week, universities have begun releasing yet more details about how they plan to bring students, staff, and faculty members back to campus in the coming weeks and months.

Right now, across the country, millions of high-school graduates and their families are facing an undeniable fact: The pandemic has thrown their plans for the future into complete disarray.

Six challenges colleges and universities face in preparing for the fall

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos says she will force public school superintendents to share coronavirus rescue funds with private schools, some of which are facing ruin.

The higher education landscape is now in chaos. Last year, 419 colleges were still accepting applications for the freshman class after the traditional May 1 deadline. This year, the number is 754, suggesting an enormous drop in demand.

Widener University is also hosting virtual events to drive enrollment

Higher education just got a whole new meaning. Despite legislative roadblocks in the legalization of marijuana, the cannabis industry is plowing ahead into schools, as five universities have partnered with cannabis education firm Green Flower Media for a new certificate program

Universities across the U.S., especially residential institutions of higher education, are under tremendous financial strain plus pressure from students, parents and alumni to open in-person this fall.

Students are often advised to start college at a public community college as a way to save thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s degree.