One of the things we hear most from Husky families is this: “I want to stay informed, but I don’t always know what’s relevant to my student.”
We get it. Higher education news moves fast, and not all of it lands the same way when you’re a parent or family member trying to support a Husky. So here’s our take on four trends in the news right now — and what they actually mean for you and your student.
Getting Into the Classes They Need
A recent national report found that 85% of students have had difficulty registering for a required course — and nearly 75% said limited availability could extend their time to graduation. That’s more terms, more tuition, and more time before they’re launching into their careers.
If your student is struggling to get into the courses they need, they’re not alone — and it’s not a failure on their part. Encourage them to connect with their academic advisor early, explore alternate sections or quarters, and build a backup registration plan. President Jones has made four-year degree completion a priority at the UW, because we know that time-to-degree is a family issue, not just an institutional one.
AI in the Classroom — Yes, Your Student Is Using It
According to a recent national survey, 85% of undergraduates are now using AI tools like ChatGPT for coursework. Faculty are still working out when and how these tools should be used — which means your student may be navigating different expectations from class to class.
This is a great conversation starter at your next check-in. You don’t need to be an AI expert — but asking your student how their professors handle AI, or whether they’ve thought about when it helps versus when it shortcuts real learning, shows you’re paying attention. The landscape is changing fast, and students who learn to use these tools thoughtfully will have an edge.
International Students — And Families — Feeling the Pressure
New data shows that the number of student visas issued to international students dropped 36% last year — far steeper than initial estimates. Visa processing delays, new screening requirements, and a broader shift in immigration policy have all contributed to a climate of uncertainty for international students and their families.
If your student is an international Husky — or has close friends who are — know that this is real and it’s felt on campus. The UW continues to welcome and support students from around the world, and our office is here for all families, regardless of where home is. We define family in the broadest sense, and that doesn’t change with a policy headline.
The Real Story on Tuition Costs
You may have seen headlines about tuition costs declining. The nuance matters: new research from the Brookings Institution shows that net tuition (what families actually pay after financial aid) has decreased over the past six years across all institution types, adjusted for inflation. The biggest drops, though, have been at wealthy private universities with large endowments — not at public universities like the UW, where the math looks different.
Don’t let national averages tell your family’s story. Encourage your student to check in with the Office of Student Financial Aid every year — not just freshman year. Scholarships, emergency aid, and funding sources shift, and what wasn’t available last fall might be available now. And know that when you contribute to funds like the Parent & Family Fund for Student Success, you’re directly closing gaps for students who need it most.