Elissa Nadworny

The SAT and ACT's reach beyond college admissions is pervasive, with many states requiring students take one or the other in order to graduate high school.

The College Board canceled the at-home fall SAT and asked admissions offices to be flexible about standardized tests. Colleges have not only complied, some even saying they'll do the same next year.

NPR spoke with a few student leaders about their graduations speeches and how a not-so-typical senior year inspired their words for the class of 2020.

Topics on the table: The issue of liability waivers, an at-risk faculty, the costs of implementing social distancing measures, and the necessity and economic pressure to have in-person classes.

High tuition, restrictions on travel and a potential semester online — about a quarter of students are rethinking their college plans, according to a recent survey. Many are thinking of a gap year.

Colleges might be able to reopen their campuses if they're able to frequently test their students. But can they get tests --- and with budgets already squeezed, will they be able to afford it?

Like so many sectors of the economy, higher education is taking a big hit from the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education has so far distributed more than $10 billion in relief funds to colleges.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, president Freeman Hrabowski discusses the options with NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Elissa Nadworny.

Colleges around the country are expecting significant shortfalls — up to $1 billion for some universities. Many are turning to hiring freezes and layoffs despite rich endowments.

The college credit exams were moved online in response to the pandemic. But many students don't have Internet access at home. Up until Friday, one senior planned to take her tests in a parking lot.

NPR's education reporter talks about what graduating seniors are going through right now as the colleges are closed due to the pandemic and answers their questions.

NPR's education reporter talks about what graduating seniors are going through right now as the colleges are closed due to the pandemic and answers their questions.

Congress set aside $350 million to help colleges with "significant unmet needs" related to the pandemic. Most of that money has gone to small schools that serve just a fraction of U.S. students.

Colleges have been careful to leave the door open on their plans for the fall semester. Most experts say it will be anything but normal. Here's a sampling of how it could look.

An NPR education reporter takes listener questions on how the pandemic is affecting graduation and college admissions for recent high school graduates, and what to expect next academic year.

An NPR education reporter takes listener questions on how the pandemic is affecting graduation and college admissions for recent high school graduates, and what to expect next academic year.

It's unclear what college will look like in the fall, but students and families are having to make decisions now, despite worries about financial aid, travel and a highly contagious disease.

Special education advocates are relieved that the federal law that guarantees a free public education to students with disabilities will remain.

Recent college graduates are facing a tough job market. Kamla Charles, career counselor at Valencia College and NPR education reporter answer questions about looking for a job in times of pandemic.

Recent college graduates are facing a tough job market. Valencia College career counselor Kamla Charles and an NPR education reporter answer questions about looking for a job in times of pandemic.