Interesting Reads This Week
International puzzles, domestic growth, and a Pride & Prejudice problem
Glenda Morgan
September 27, 2025
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It seems like only last week I was complaining about the heat, and now it feels, if not quite like fall, then at least close to what C.S. Lewis described as the idea of fall (h/t Austin Kleon). The mountain outside my house seems to agree, showing just a smidge of autumn color.
But what did I read this week?
Growth spurt
Earlier this week, Phil shared US enrollment data. While he noted that most of the growth is on campus, many institutions continue to see strong gains online. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for example, enrolled its largest freshman class ever, a 5% increase over last year, helping lift overall enrollment by 3%. Online saw even bigger gains.
The school's online learning program is also growing. There are 2,134 students enrolled in those programs, a 9% growth compared to last fall.
Amid the enrollment reports, I was surprised to see solid numbers in alternative credentials. These programs have often posted lackluster results as enthusiasm meets the hard reality of marketing to a public that’s unsure of their value. But the University of Montana, for example, is seeing encouraging numbers.
