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Lisa Kurian Philip

WBEZ

Higher education reporter for WBEZ Chicago in partnership with Open Campus.

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Posted inChicago

Fewer international students studying at some Illinois universities

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZOctober 17, 2025October 22, 2025

The Trump administration wants to reduce the number of foreign students on American campuses. Faculty say they are vital to research and teaching.

Posted inChicago

Students for profit? University of Illinois campuses pay company per online student

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZOctober 9, 2025October 9, 2025

Consumer protection advocates say the practice incentivizes the company to enroll as many students as possible, regardless of whether they’ll benefit. The university says their standards aren’t compromised.

Posted inChicago

This Palestinian college student and Chicagoan is feeling exhausted but empowered

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZOctober 6, 2025October 7, 2025

A student activist at DePaul University says college helped her find her voice — and fully embrace her Palestinian identity.

Posted inChicago

Chicago-area college students call for end to political violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZ, Emmanuel Camarillo, and Mawa IqbalSeptember 11, 2025September 16, 2025

A day after activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah campus event, conservative students say they want a climate where people can talk through their differences.

Posted inChicago

Trump administration targets Illinois in-state tuition for immigrant students lacking legal status

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZSeptember 2, 2025September 12, 2025

Federal officials allege the practice violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens living in other states.

Posted inChicago

Federal student loan limits could turn off prospective social workers from going to school, advocates say

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZAugust 26, 2025August 26, 2025

Hospitals, schools and community organizations depend on social workers. But some are concerned students will be deterred if they need to turn to costly private loans to get a master’s degree.

Posted inChicago

‘I’m so ready’: A first-generation college student shares her journey to campus

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZAugust 15, 2025August 15, 2025

“I have all these big dreams and these big aspirations,” says Jayla Ward, an incoming freshman at Northern Illinois University and the first in her family to go to college.

Posted inChicago

Northwestern University professors urge campus leaders not to make deal with Trump

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZJuly 31, 2025August 12, 2025

The university has had $800 million in federal funding frozen over accusations that fostered antisemitism. Northwestern faculty are worried the university will follow others and try to make a deal with the Trump administration.

Posted inChicago

Big changes are coming to student loan repayment. Here’s how to prepare.

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZJuly 25, 2025July 28, 2025

More than 1.6 million people in Illinois owe federal student debt. The Trump administration is trying to speed up their repayment.

Posted inChicago

Student group banned by DePaul continues to run covert birth control delivery service

By Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZJuly 3, 2025July 10, 2025

University officials recently suspended the group from campus because of its affiliation with Planned Parenthood. Student leaders accuse DePaul of kowtowing to President Donald Trump.

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