Fall 2020 Status for Universities: The Ultimate Guide

Spring 2020 was a semester like no other. COVID-19 transformed college life, causing more than 14 million students to transition to online learning abruptly. 

Now, as the pandemic lingers across America, universities face another daunting decision. With the fall semester quickly approaching, should they reopen their campuses for in-person learning or keep their classes online? 

Many schools are still deliberating, considering a range of virtual and on-campus options. Meanwhile, institutions that have made decisions have reached very different conclusions. 

While schools such as Baylor and Purdue have announced plans to open their campuses, the California State University system will stay online in the fall. Some schools, such as Harvard, have suggested a hybrid approach for fall 2020. For students, uncertainty and inconsistency only raise anxieties. 

We created this guide to share the latest updates on specific schools’ plans for the fall, as well as helpful information for all college students. Below, you can use our tool to check where your school stands based on the latest data from the Chronicle of Higher Education. 

Below that, we’ve provided a ton of related information, including how schools are making their decisions. We also have advice for students considering taking time off, as well as important tips about how COVID-19 might affect your college expenses and financial aid. 

To stay informed about your school’s decisions and plan for your own fall semester, check out all the information below. 

Your School’s Status: The Latest Updates From Universities

School Name	State	Current Plan for Fall 2020	Link to More Info	Public or Private
Abilene Christian University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen campus for fall	Private
Adrian College	MI	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen campus for fall	Private
Agnes Scott College	GA	Planning for in-person	plans to resume on-campus instruction	Private
Alma College	MI	Considering a range of scenarios	monitoring coronavirus developments	Private
American University	DC	Planning for in-person	American is planning for in-person learning in the fall	Private
Amherst College	MA	Waiting to decide	hopes to decide by June	Private
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	NY	Planning for in-person	The plan is to begin the fall semester on time	Private
Angelo State University	TX	Planning for in-person	intends to have students	Public
Appalachian State University	NC	Planning for in-person	planning on offering in-person fall classes	Public
Arizona State University	AZ	Planning for in-person	planning to resume in-person classes	Public
Arkansas State University	AR	Planning for in-person	Expects to be on campus in the fall	Public
Assumption College	MA	Considering a range of scenarios	planning a range of options	Private
Augustana College	IL	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Austin Peay State University	TN	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Public
Averett University	VA	Planning for in-person	making plans to reopen in the fall	Private
Ball State University	IN	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
Baylor University	TX	Planning for in-person	We intend to safely resume in-person teaching	Private
Beacon College	FL	Planning for in-person	plans to hold fall semester on-campus	Private
Belhaven University	MS	Planning for in-person	planning to for in-person classes in the fall	Private
Beloit College	WI	Proposing a hybrid model	shifting to a “module based semester” to allow flexibility to move toward either online or in-person classes	Private
Bethel University	MN	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Binghampton University	NY	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
Biola University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning for an in-person fall semester	Private
Black Hills State University	SD	Planning for in-person	planning to have in-person classes in the fall	Public
Boston College	MA	Waiting to decide	plans to decide by the end of June	Private
Boston University	MA	Planning for in-person	leaning toward in-person classes	Private
Bowdoin College	ME	Waiting to decide	If we can find a way to be back on campus in the fall — a way that is safe for the campus and Brunswick community — we will be back.”	Private
Bowling Green State University	OH	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
Bradley University	IL	Planning for in-person	intends to reopen campus in the fall	Private
Brown University	RI	Planning for in-person	The university is leaning toward in-person classes. Brown’s president	Private
Bryant University	RI	Planning for in-person	intends to hold fall semester on campus	Private
Catholic University of America	DC	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen in the fall	Private
California Baptist University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning to resume on-ground classes for the fall semester”	Private
California Institute of the Arts	CA	Proposing a hybrid model	proposing a hybrid model for fall semester	Private
California State University system’s 23 campuses	CA	Planning for online	most classes will be online with limited exceptions	Public
Cameron University	OK	Considering a range of scenarios	planning for in-person	Public
Caroll College	MT	Planning for in-person	href=”https://mailchi.mp/472fbc502745/for-all-the-saints-564513?e=ffc6bd0d3b”>committed to re-opening for in-person instruction this fall	Private
Central Christian College of the Bible	MO	Planning for in-person	plans to open campus in the fall but use online instruction if necessary	Private
Central Michigan University	MI	Planning for in-person	planning to return to campus in the fall	Public
Centre College	KY	Proposing a hybrid model	block-scheduling courses in shorter segments to allow flexibility to shift toward either in-person or remote learning	Private
Chaminade University	HI	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall semester in-person	Private
Chapman University	CA	Planning for in-person	optimistically planning for a safe return in the fall with social distancing and safety constraints in place”	Private
Chowan University	NC	Planning for in-person	planning to be open in the fall	Private
Christopher Newport University	VA	Planning for in-person	We are planning for our classes to resume on campus in the fall” depending on the state of coronavirus and guidance from state and federal authorities.	Public
Claremont Colleges	CA	Planning for in-person	committed” to in-person fall classes	Private
Clemson University	SC	Considering a range of scenarios	exploring a range of scenarios	Public
Coastal Carolina University	SC	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person instruction in the fall	Public
Colgate University	NY	Considering a range of scenarios	will decide by June 30	Private
College of the Desert	CA	Planning for online	moved fall semester classes online	Public
College of Idaho	ID	Planning for in-person	planning to open campus for fall semester	Private
College of William & Mary	VA	Planning for in-person	“We have every intention of holding in-person classes in the fall as long as it is safe to do so.”	Public
Colorado College	CO	Planning for in-person	intends to reopen campus in the fall	Private
Colorado State University	CO	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall semester in-person in “best case scenario”	Public
Columbia University	NY	Waiting to decide	waiting to decide	Private
Columbus State University	GA	Planning for in-person	planning face-to-face instruction in the fall	Public
Concord University	WV	Planning for in-person	plans to reopen campus in the fall	Public
Concordia University Chicago	IL	Planning for in-person	plans to return to campus	Private
Concordia University Irvine	CA	Planning for in-person	intends to have an in-person fall semester	Private
Concordia University Nebraska	NE	Waiting to decide	expects final recommendations by July 15	Private
Concordia University St. Paul	MN	Planning for in-person	will reopen campus for fall semester	Private
Concordia University Texas	TX	Planning for in-person	plans	Private
Cornell College	IA	Planning for in-person	expanded its existing block calendar to 10 3.5-week sessions to allow maximum flexibility to either return to campus or continue distance learning in the fall	Private
Cornell University	NY	Waiting to decide	no decision expected until June	Private
Cottey College	MO	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Covenant College	GA	Planning for in-person	will resume on-campus instruction in the fall if governmental authorities allow it	Private
Daemen College	NY	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes in the fall	Private
Dallas County Community College District	TX	Planning for online	planning for classes to be “predominantly online”	Public
Dartmouth College	NH	Considering a range of scenarios	“The probability of a full residential, business-as-usual fall term is not very high,” the provost says.”	Private
DePaul University	IL	Waiting to decide	expects to make an announcement as early as June 15	Private
Dominican University	IL	Planning for in-person	planning to have fall semester on-campus with primarily in-person classes	Private
Dordt University	IA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Drake University	IA	Planning for in-person	planning on-campus classes	Private
Drexel University	PA	Waiting to decide	hopes to receive task-force recommendations on fall semester by early June	Private
Drury University	MO	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen in the fall	Private
Duke University	NC	Considering a range of scenarios	“We hope	Private
Earlham College	IN	Waiting to decide	expects a decision on fall plans by June 15	Private
East Carolina Universty	NC	Planning for in-person	We intend to be back on ECU’s campus in the fall	Public
East Tennessee State University	TN	Waiting to decide	hopes to make a decision by early June	Public
Eastern Florida State College	FL	Proposing a hybrid model	“Many Fall Term 2020 courses will move to online delivery.”	Public
Elon University	NC	Planning for in-person	“Elon is planning to conduct fall semester classes on campus	Private
Elmhurst College	IL	Planning for in-person	planning to return to in-person classes in August	Private
Emerson College	MA	Waiting to decide	conducting a student poll to help in decision process	Private
Emory & Henry College	VA	Planning for in-person	planning for fall classes “to take place on campus with the proper measures taken to ensure the safety of students	Private
Emory University	GA	Waiting to decide	likely to decide by early May, according to the student newspaper”	Private
Emporia State University	KS	Planning for in-person	offering	Public
Fairfield University	CT	Planning for in-person	intends to resume on-campus instruction in the fall	Private
Fairmont State University	WV	Planning for in-person	planning for face-to-face classes in the fall	Public
Ferris State University	MI	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
Fisher College	MA	Waiting to decide	no final decision until at least July 1	Private
Florida Institute of Technology	FL	Planning for in-person	plans to resume face-to-face classes for fall semester	Private
Florida Southern College	FL	Planning for in-person	moved start of fall semester to September 1 from August 18	Private
Florida State University	FL	Planning for in-person	expects	Public
Furman University	SC	Waiting to decide	will announce plans by mid to late June	Private
Gannon University	PA	Planning for in-person	intends to resume face-to-face classes in August	Private
Geneva College	PA	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person instruction	Private
George Fox University	OR	Planning for in-person	plans to open campus in the fall	Public
George Mason University	VA	Waiting to decide	says more information could come by early June	Public
George Washington University	DC	Waiting to decide	will provide “a more detailed communication about our plans for operation by May 15”	Private
Gonzaga University	WA	Planning for in-person	“will work with the goal of returning to operations and re-opening our campus – including resuming in-class instruction – for fall semester 2020”	Private
Grand Valley State University	MI	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes in the fall	Public
Grove City College	PA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Hawaiʻi Pacific University	HI	Planning for in-person	plans to open August 24 for fall semester	Private
Hampden-Sydney College	VA	Planning for in-person	We will convene as a community and hold classes here at Hampden-Sydney this fall as we have for the past 245 years.”	Private
Hampshire College	MA	Planning for in-person	planning in-person fall classes	Private
Harding University	AR	Planning for in-person	planning to resume in-person instruction	Private
Harvard University	MA	Considering a range of scenarios	The campus will be open, but the provost says “we will need to prepare for a scenario in which much or all learning will be conducted remotely.””	Private
Haverford College	PA	Planning for in-person	We expect on-campus learning to resume for the fall semester.”	Private
High Point University	NC	Planning for in-person	preparing to resume in-person classes	Private
Hiram College	OH	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Hollins University	VA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Holy Cross College	IN	Planning for in-person	intends to be open for fall semester	Private
Hope International University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning in-person fall classes	Private
Huntingdon College	AL	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall semester in-person on August 10	Private
Husson University	ME	Planning for in-person	Husson will be welcoming students back to our campus in the fall	Private
Indiana University	IN	Considering a range of scenarios	Indiana University, Public, IN  Will return to in-person instruction in the fall in a best-case scenario“	Public
Illinois State University	IL	Planning for in-person	“ISU fully intends to welcome students back to campus for the 2020-2021 academic year”	Public
Iowa Board of Regents	IA	Planning for in-person	planning “a full normal operation” for its universities — including Iowa State University	Public
James Madison University	VA	Planning for in-person	“We are expecting to open as scheduled for in-person classes.”	Public
Judson University	IL	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen in the fall with in-person classes and residential students	Private
Kansas State University	KS	Planning for in-person	intends to return to campus in the fall	Public
Knox College	IL	Planning for in-person	plans to welcome students back for in-person classes	Private
LaGrange College	GA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Laguna College of Art and Design	CA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person instruction	Private
Lake Superior State University	MI	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall classes earlier than normal	Public
Lawrence Technological University	MI	Waiting to decide	intends to welcome students in the fall	Private
Lehigh University	PA	Waiting to decide	will decide by June 15	Private
Lewis and Clark College	OR	Planning for in-person	Planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Life Pacific University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Lindenwood University	MO	Planning for in-person	isn’t offering seated classes until at least August 9	Private
Lipscomb	TN	Planning for in-person	planning on being open for fall semester	Private
Longwood University	VA	Planning for in-person	exploring how it can “safely reopen for in-person learning in the upcoming fall semester”	Public
Louisiana College	LA	Planning for in-person	plans to have on-campus fall classes	Private
Loyola Marymount University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning for an in-person fall semester	Private
Loyala University Maryland	MD	Planning for in-person	expects to reopen campus in the fall	Private
Lubbock Christian University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Macalester College	MN	Planning for in-person	Our strong preference is to complete two full semesters of on-campus instruction	Private
Manhattanville College	NY	Planning for in-person	planning to be back on campus for in-person instruction	Private
Marietta College	OH	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Marquette University	WI	Planning for in-person	“will resume campus operations this fall if governmental and medical authorities say it is safe to do so”	Private
Marshall University	WV	Planning for in-person	The university “has begun tentative plans to have in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester.”	Public
Marymount Manhattan College	TX	Planning for in-person	plans	Private
Marymount University	VA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Maryville College	TN	Planning for in-person	“cautiously optimistic” about in-person fall classes	Private
McMurry University	TX	Planning for in-person	beginning a “five-phase plan to fully reopen the campus for fall 2020 with face-to-face classes”	Private
Merrimack College	MA	Planning for in-person	planning to be “residential and open in the fall”	Private
Miami University	OH	Planning for in-person	committed to on-campus instruction in the fall	Public
Middle Tennessee State University	TN	Planning for in-person	plans to have on-campus classes in the fall	Public
Midwestern State University	TX	Planning for in-person	intends to be “fully operational this fall for in-person instruction”	Public
Middlebury College	VT	Planning for in-person	“We are working toward a safe and secure opening of our campus for the fall semester	Private
Midlands University	NE	Planning for in-person	planning to resume in-person classes in the fall	Private
Millsaps College	MS	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Milwaukee School of Engineering	WI	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen in the fall	Private
Missouri State University	MO	Planning for in-person	planning for an in-person fall semester	Public
Missouri University of Science and Technology	MO	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Public
Montana State University	MT	Planning for in-person	planning for the return of students in the fall	Public
Morningside College	IA	Planning for in-person	plans to be open for fall semester	Private
Mount Holyoke	MA	Proposing a hybrid model	reportedly planning hybrid classes	Private
Mount Union University	OH	Planning for in-person	hopes	Private
Mount St. Mary’s University	MD	Planning for in-person	plans to resume face-to-face instruction and on-campus classes	Private
New Jersey Institute of Technology	NJ	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes	Public
New Mexico State University	NM	Proposing a hybrid model	plans to return to an adapted model of face-to-face	Public
New York University	NY	Planning for in-person	“proceeding on the basis that it will resume in-person operations” in the fall	Private
Nicholls State University	LA	Planning for in-person	“In the fall we’re back on our campus.”	Public
North Carolina Central University	NC	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
North Carolina State University	NC	Planning for in-person	We fully expect to have our new and continuing students on campus for the fall semester.”	Public
North Dakota University system	ND	Planning for in-person	intends to have students back in the fall on its 11 campuses	Public
Northeastern University	MA	Planning for in-person	intends to reopen campuses in the fall	Private
Northern Arizona University	AZ	Planning for in-person	planning for on-campus fall classes	Public
Northern Illinois University	IL	Waiting to decide	hopes to announce fall plans within the next two months	Public
Northern Michigan University	MI	Planning for in-person	planning for a return to face-to-face instruction	Public
Northwest Missouri State University	MO	Planning for in-person	planning to resume on-campus instruction in the fall	Public
Northwestern College	IA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Norwich University	VT	Planning for in-person	intends to be open in the fall	Private
Nova Southeastern University	FL	Planning for in-person	will resume in-person classes in the fall	Private
Oakland University	MI	Proposing a hybrid model	planning for “a hybrid approach” that includes both face-to-face and remote instruction” in the fall	Public
Oberlin College	OH	Planning for in-person	planning on-campus fall classes with varying start dates	Private
Ohio Northern University	OH	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person classes	Private
Ohio State University	OH	Planning for in-person	leaning toward in-person classes	Public
Oklahoma State University	OK	Planning for in-person	planning on resuming in-person classes in the fall	Public
Old Dominion University	VA	Planning for in-person	plans to reopen campus in the fall	Public
Oregon State University	OR	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
Otterbein University	OH	Planning for in-person	Planning to open campus in the fall	Private
Pace University	NY	Planning for in-person	It is our hope and intention to resume our regular schedule of face-to-face classes across all three of our campuses for fall 2020	Private
Pacific Lutheran University	WA	Planning for in-person	plans to return to in-person instruction in the fall	Private
Pacific Northwest College of Art	OR	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Pacific School of Religion	CA	Proposing a hybrid model	proposing a hybrid model	Private
Pacific University	OR	Planning for in-person	“We plan to launch our fall terms on campus	Private
Pennsylvania State University	PA	Waiting to decide	expects updates on fall semester by June 15	Public
Portland Community College	OR	Planning for online	all fall classes will be taught online	Portland
Princeton University	NJ	Waiting to decide	decision expected in early July	Private
Purdue University	IN	Planning for in-person	planning to start fall semester in person if testing and contact tracing allows	Public
Radford University	VA	with face-to-face instruction beginning on August 24″	will reopen on August 3	Public
Randolph College	VA	Planning for in-person	planning to resume on-campus	Private
Reed College	OR	Waiting to decide	will announce fall plans by June 30	Private
Regis University	CO	Planning for in-person	planning on starting and ending fall semester early	Private
Rhodes College	TN	Waiting to decide	will share plans by May 27	Private
Roanoke College	VA	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person instruction	Private
Rochester Institute of Technology	NY	Planning for in-person	“optimistic” about being open for fall	Private
Rockhurst University	MO	Planning for in-person	planning a “traditional” start to fall semester/	Private
Roger Williams University	RI	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Rutgers University	NJ	Waiting to decide	operating remotely	Public
Sarah Lawrence College	NY	while exploring a number of scenarios for accomplishing that	plans to begin fall semester as scheduled	Private
Saint Francis University	PA	Planning for in-person	intends to return students to campus in the fall	Private
Saint Leo University	FL	Waiting to decide	will decide in the summer	Private
Saint Mary’s College	IN	Planning for in-person	plans to reopen in the fall	Private
Samford University	AL	Planning for in-person	href=”https://www.samford.edu/news/2020/04/Samford-Announces-Plans–Fall-2020″>plans to resume on-campus classes and reopen residence halls for the fall 2020 semester	Private
San Jose State University	CA	Proposing a hybrid model	planning to offer online and hybrid courses	Public
Santa Monica College	CA	Planning for in-person	will hold fall classes online	Private
Santa Rosa Junior College	CA	Planning for online	will continue remote instruction through the fall semester	Public
Schreiner University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Seattle University	WA	Planning for in-person	intends to reopen campus in the fall	Private
Seton Hall University	NJ	Planning for in-person	“We have a team in place finalizing plans for our collective return to campus in the fall	Private
Shenandoah University	VA	Waiting to decide	plans to make a decision by around July 1	Private
Siena Heights University	MI	Planning for in-person	plan	Private
Sierra College	CA	Planning for online	announced via Twitter that classes will be remote	Public
Simmons University	MA	Proposing a hybrid model	planning a hybrid model	Private
Simpson College	IA	Planning for in-person	intends to have in-person fall classes	Private
Southeastern Oklahoma State University	OK	Planning for in-person	intends to return to in-person instruction in the fall	Public
Southern Methodist University	TX	Planning for in-person	plans to reopen campus in the fall	Private
Southern New Hampshire University	NH	Planning for in-person	planning to allow students to move into dorms	Private
Southern Utah University	UT	Proposing a hybrid model	plans to offer both in-person and online classes in the fall	Public
Southwest Baptist University	MO	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary	TX	Planning for in-person	planning to have on-campus instruction	Private
Southwestern Oklahoma State University	OK	Planning for in-person	Intends to resume in-person classes in the fall	Public
St. Mary’s College of California	CA	Planning for in-person	“We are planning to welcome students back to campus and conduct in-person courses this fall.”	Private
Stanford University	CA	Waiting to decide	expects to make a decision in May	Private
Stephen F. Austin State University	TX	Waiting to decide	will announce plans for fall by the end of June	Public
Stetson University	FL	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes but will make a decision by mid to late June	Private
Swarthmore College	PA	Waiting to decide	anticipates being able to share plans by June 1	Private
Sweet Briar College	VA	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person instruction in the fall	Private
Syracuse University	NY	Considering a range of scenarios	developing “multiple fall opening scenarios” with the “hope and intention that we will be welcoming students back to campus”	Private
Tarleton State University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for face-to-face instruction in the fall	Public
Texas A&M University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for on-campus operations in the fall	Public
Texas Christian University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
Texas State University system	TX	Planning for in-person	plans to resume face-to-face instruction at its six campuses	Public
Texas Tech University	TX	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person instruction in the fall with a “phased return” that could include some in-person classes in the summer	Public
Texas Woman’s University	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes	Public
Thomas Jefferson University	PA	Planning for in-person	planning for on-campus fall classes	Private
Transylvania University	KY	Waiting to decide	will announce fall plans in early june	Private
Trevecca Nazarene University	TN	Planning for in-person	plans to resume in-person classes unless health officials recommend otherwise	Private
Trine University	IN	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen in the fall	Private
Troy University	AL	Planning for in-person	will return students to campus in the fall	Public
Tulane University	LA	Planning for in-person	plans to have students on-campus for fall semester	Private
University of Alabama system	AL	Planning for in-person	We are expecting to have a fall semester at all of our universities	Public
University of Alaska, Anchorage	AK	Proposing a hybrid model	proposing a hybrid model	Public
University of Arizona	AZ	Planning for in-person	intends to offer in-person classes in the fall	Public
University of Arkansas System	AR	Planning for in-person	trustees approved in-person fall instruction	Public
University of Buffalo	NY	Considering a range of scenarios	>planning a range of scenarios	Public
University of California at Berkeley	CA	Proposing a hybrid model	Some or all classes will be delivered via remote instruction.	Public
University of California at San Diego	CA	Proposing a hybrid model	intends to offer a combination of in-person and remote instruction	Public
University of Central Florida	FL	Planning for in-person	leaning toward in-person classes	Public
University of Central Missouri	MO	Planning for in-person	planning in-person fall classes	Public
University of Charleston	WV	Planning for in-person	expects campus to be open in the fall	Private
University of Chicago	IL	Waiting to decide	plans to decide by the end of June	Private
University of Colorado at Boulder	CO	Proposing a hybrid model	leaning toward a hybrid plan; will announce by June	Public
University of Connecticut	CT	Waiting to decide	no decision till summer	Public
University of Delaware	DE	Planning for in-person	“We remain cautiously optimistic that we will be in a position to welcome all students on campus this fall.”	Public
University of Denver	CO	Planning for in-person	“We plan to reopen with face-to-face classes when we begin our fall quarter in mid-September	Private
University of Florida	FL	Waiting to decide	will announce plans by mid-July	Public
University of Georgia system	GA	Planning for in-person	The university plans a “phased	Public
University of Hawaii	HI	Planning for in-person	Planning to resume in-person instruction	Public
University of Houston	TX	Waiting to decide	expects a decision on fall semester in late May or early June	Public
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	IL	Planning for in-person	We are planning for in-person classes to begin as scheduled.”	Public
University of Kansas	KS	Planning for in-person	“Our plan is to resume on-campus operations in some capacity this fall.”	Public
University of Kentucky	KY	Waiting to decide	will announce plans by mid-June	Public
University of La Verne	CA	Planning for in-person	“We are planning to resume face-to-face instruction and residence hall operation in the fall.”	Private
University of Louisiana System	LA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
University of Lynchburg	VA	Planning for in-person	planning in-person fall classes	Private
University of Maine system	ME	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes	Public
University of Mary	ND	Planning for in-person	intends to hold in-person classes in the fall	Private
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor	TX	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
University of Mary Washington	VA	Planning for in-person	intends to start in-person instruction in August but says “we should also be prepared for the unknown”	Public
University of Maryland system	MD	Planning for in-person	planning to start in-person	Public
University of Massachusets Amherst	MA	Waiting to decide	expects a decision in “early summer”	Public
University of Miami	FL	Planning for in-person	Our expectation is to begin our fall semester on time and on campus	Private
University of Michigan	MI	Planning for in-person	hoping to hold classes in-person	Public
University of Missouri	MO	Proposing a hybrid model	planning for in-person classes	Public
University of Missouri at Kansas City	MO	Planning for in-person	expects to be on campus in the fall	Public
University of Mobile	AL	Planning for in-person	“plans to resume on-ground instruction and residential housing this fall”	Private
University of Montana	MT	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
University of Nebraska system	NE	Planning for in-person	The system expects to hold classes on its campuses in the fall.” The chancellor of the flagship University of Nebraska at Lincoln wrote in a letter on April 24	Public
University of Nevada, Reno	NV	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Public
University of New England	ME	Planning for in-person	planning to reopen campus in the fall	Private
University of New Hampshire	NH	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Public
University of New Haven	CT	Considering a range of scenarios	intends to bring students back to campus in August	Private
University of North Carolina at Asheville	NC	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person instruction	Private
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	NC	Planning for in-person	optimistic for on-campus classes this fall	Public
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	NC	Planning for in-person	will begin fall semester two weeks later than planned	Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	NC	Planning for in-person	expects to start fall semester in-person	Public
University of North Carolina at Pembroke	NC	Planning for in-person	We fully expect and it is our present intention to be back in our classrooms	Public
University of Northern Colorado	CO	Planning for in-person	planning to return to campus in the fall	Public
University of North Texas	TX	Planning for in-person	planning on safely resuming campus learning and residential life for fall 2020.	Public
University of Notre Dame	IN	Waiting to decide	will announce plans by mid-June	Private
University of Oklahoma	OK	Planning for in-person	Our intention is to return to in-person educational operations on all three campuses by this fall	Public
University of Oregon	OR	Planning for in-person	The university is aiming for in-person instruction in the fall	Public
University of the Pacific	CA	Planning for in-person	planning to welcome students back to its campuses in August	Private
University of Pennsylvania	PA	Proposing a hybrid model	“planning for a likely combination of in-class and virtual teaching.”	Private
University of Pittsburgh	PA	Considering a range of scenarios	says “back to normal probably is not likely” for the fall	Public
University of Portland	OR	Planning for in-person	The university’s goal is to operate in-person, but the president said it may adjust the academic calendar and “conduct some or all of our instruction in an online format if absolutely necessary.””	Private
University of Redlands	CA	Considering a range of scenarios	planning a range of options	Private
University of Richmond	VA	Planning for in-person	intends	Private
University of Rochester	NY	Considering a range of scenarios	making plans to offer two full semesters of instruction to our undergraduate and graduate students	Private
University of San Diego	CA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
University of Saint Francis	IN	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
University of Scranton	PA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person fall classes	Private
University of South Alabama	AL	Planning for in-person	planning to resume in-person classes in the fall	Public
University of Southern California	CA	Waiting to decide	hopes to announce fall plans within the next two months	Private
University of South Carolina	SC	Planning for in-person	will conduct in-person fall classes	Public
University of South Dakota system	SD	Planning for in-person	will resume on-campus instruction in the fall	Public
University of Southern Mississippi	MS	Planning for in-person	planning	Public
University of Puget Sound	WA	Planning for in-person	We plan to welcome new and returning students to campus in the fall and resume in-person courses … while adhering to public health guidelines.”	Private
University of Tennessee system	TN	Planning for in-person	planning to bring students back in the fall	Public
University of Texas system	TX	Planning for in-person	The UT System is planning for all institutions to hold classes on campus in the fall	Public
University of Toledo	OH	Planning for in-person	intends to reopen campus in the fall	Public
University of Vermont	VT	Planning for in-person	the president said.”	Public
University of Virginia	VA	Waiting to decide	plans an update on fall by mid June	Public
University of Washington	WA	Proposing a hybrid model	expects to have some in-person fall classes	Public
University of West Alabama	AL	Planning for in-person	expects to have in-person fall classes	Public
University of Wisconsin at Madison	WI	Waiting to decide	decision by the end of July; currently considering face-to-face	Public
Utah System of Higher Education	UT	Planning for in-person	intends to resume in-person classes in the fall	Public
Virginia Commonwealth University	VA	Planning for in-person	“We have every intention of opening our fall semester in-person as long as it is safe to do so.”	Public
Virginia Tech	VA	Waiting to decide	plans to announce in early June	Public
Virginia Wesleyan University	VA	Planning for in-person	planning for students to return on August 26	Private
Wake Forest University	NC	Planning for in-person	We plan to conduct fall semester classes on campus.”	Private
Washington College	MD	Planning for in-person	intends to return to in-person classes on August 31	Private
Washington State University	WA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes	Public
Wayne State University	MI	Planning for online	leaning toward starting fall classes online	Public
Waynesburg University	PA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person classes	Private
Wellesley College	MA	Waiting to decide	will announce fall plans by July 1	Private
West Liberty University	WV	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall semester in-person	Public
West Virginia University	WV	Considering a range of scenarios	exploring a range of scenarios	Public
Western New England University	MA	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Westminster College	MO	Planning for in-person	plans to start fall semester in-person	Private
Wheaton College (Mass.)	MA	Planning for in-person	“We have affirmed our intention to deliver an on-campus fall semester” subject to the guidance of public-health experts.	Private
Wichita State University	KS	Proposing a hybrid model	plans to return to campus with a hybrid model in the fall	Public
Whitworth University	WA	Planning for in-person	plans to reopen the campus and resume in-person classes	Private
Willamette University	OR	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person instruction	Private
William Jessup University	CA	Planning for in-person	planning to open campus in the fall	Private
William Jewell College	MO	Planning for in-person	intends to open for fall semester	Private
Williams College	MA	Waiting to decide	plans to announce by July 1	Private
Wittenberg University	OH	Planning for in-person	planning for in-person	Private
Wofford College	SC	Waiting to decide	hopes to have everyone return in the fall	Private
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	MA	Waiting to decide	waiting to decide	Private
Yale University	CT	Waiting to decide	decision expected by early July	Private

Tough Calls: How Colleges Are Deciding Whether to Come Back 

As the list above clearly shows, America’s colleges and universities are approaching the fall 2020 semester in very different ways. In making these difficult determinations, which information and priorities are they taking into account? 

While key factors differ somewhat from school to school, virtually every institution is being forced to consider three variables: How could the virus affect the school community, how well classes happen online, and how the school can afford to move forward.

Epidemiological Evidence

As the leaders of universities across the country decide whether to reopen campuses for the fall, their decisions will be driven by several data points related to the disease. How rampant have infections been in their respective states? How available is testing? Are treatment methods showing enough promise that affected students recover?

These factors are continually evolving and reflect on local conditions: From state to state, the impacts of COVID-19 differ dramatically. Moreover, opening up campus means welcoming back students from all over the country. For schools with many students from highly affected areas, the issue might be the risk of infection that these students bring with them. 

Online Teaching Methods and In-person Distancing Options

In the mad scramble to take spring classes online, most colleges were happy just to continue their courses. But after multiple weeks of virtual instruction, institutions are gauging the success of their online classes – or the lack thereof. 

Using feedback from professors and students and data pertaining to academic performance, schools are currently assessing how much online teaching adversely affects the learning experience. If they can make substantial improvements for fall, such as upgrading technology or adapting teaching methods, they may be more inclined to stay online. 

On the other hand, many schools are also assessing how on-campus classes could be adapted to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Can classrooms be reconfigured to keep individuals further apart? Can staggered scheduling prevent throngs of students from sharing narrow hallways? If these plans seem feasible, administrators may feel much more comfortable with a return to campus. 

Financial Impacts

Clearly, universities’ primary duty is to keep their students and staff safe. But these institutions are also painfully aware of the financial implications of staying online or returning to campus. The majority of schools have seen revenues plummet: From canceled sporting events to refunded housing and dining fees, several traditional sources of income have already vanished. 

While deep-pocketed schools can weather this storm relatively well, the same cannot be said for many smaller institutions and underfunded public universities. Accordingly, many administrators must weigh the potential risk to students while also anticipating dire financial consequences if they cannot reopen their campuses. 

Study Online vs. Semester Off: How to Choose If You Have to

While universities face difficult decisions for the coming fall, students are wrestling with their own challenging choices. If their schools do decide to conduct fall classes online, should they study remotely or take time off until they can return to campus?

Recent research shows significant uncertainty among new and returning students about what to do if their schools remain online. Even some students who have already made deposits are considering backing out and waiting until they can attend classes in person. 

If you’re in this position yourself or worry that you’ll soon face such a decision, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons. While each student must choose in light of their own goals and circumstances, here are some reasons that each path might work for you. 

Reasons Taking Time Off Might Be the Right Choice

• You find online classes far less valuable. As students across the country can now attest, virtual learning poses distinct challenges. In terms of concentration and motivation, staring at a screen may not fulfill your learning needs, making it harder to earn good grades and absorb important material. If you particularly struggle with online classes, a semester off could later position you for more academic success. 

• Your major depends on experiential learning. Some areas of study, such as nursing,  typically demand experience in the field to fulfill degree requirements. While many schools and accrediting bodies have loosened their requirements in light of COVID-19, you might miss out on valuable learning opportunities. If you’re eager for the hands-on experience that you expected, waiting a semester could make sense. 

• Time difference issues will be challenging. Many college students choose to attend schools in different time zones than their family homes typically. If they’re living at home while studying online, that discrepancy could be difficult. If you live in California, for example, and attend an East Coast college, your 9 a.m. biology lecture just became a 6 a.m. nightmare. 

• You don’t want to pay the same price without in-person instruction. Many colleges don’t have the funds to charge less for online classes, even if they were inclined to do so. Accordingly, many of them plan to charge what they would for in-person instruction. If your school stays online in the fall without discounting its tuition, you might decide that paying the same price is a bad deal.

• You find campus involvement highly rewarding. For many students, immersion in a campus community is the most enjoyable part of the college experience. Whether you’re active in student organizations or appreciate the social engagement a campus allows, the online experience won’t supply these elements. 

• Your school’s location is part of its appeal. For universities in charming towns or big cities, location can be a big draw. If you chose your school in part because of where it is, distance learning won’t fulfill that particular piece of your college dreams. 

• Your family could use your support. COVID-19 has threatened American families in terms of physical health and financial security. Accordingly, your loved ones may need your support in new ways, at least in the immediate future. Fairly or not, many students will feel pressured to delay their studies to assist their families. If you’re part of this group, putting a brief pause on your education is certainly understandable.

Reasons That Studying Online Might Be the Right Choice

• College momentum can be hard to get back. In normal circumstances, many students struggle to complete their degrees at the pace they had planned. Add COVID-19 uncertainty to the mix, and going back to school could be harder than you imagined. Life happens, and one semester off can turn into an indefinite absence. If you know a short break will tempt you to take even more time off, it might be better to avoid such temptation.

• Short-term job prospects may be limited. COVID-19 has caused unprecedented economic damage, including tens of millions of lost jobs. If you’re planning to get a job during your time off from school, you may find limited options and face stiff competition from unemployed workers. Even volunteer opportunities and unpaid internships may be hard to obtain in the months ahead.

• Travel restrictions may hamper your adventures. For college students who take time off, travel is a common goal. But COVID-19 could put a damper on your road trip dreams and limit your options for visiting other countries. With many attractions closed and limited dining and hotel options, how rewarding could your trip really be?

• Studying at home can reduce your living expenses. If you’re accustomed to living on or around campus, residing with your family might not seem appealing. But doing so for a semester could seriously slash your costs of attending college, saving you money on room, board, and commuting costs. For students staring down big tuition bills, it can be attractive to earn the same degree with fewer living expenses. 

• Your financial aid package could be affected. Your school determines much of the financial aid package you receive and possesses total control of its own scholarship awards. If you decide to take time off, there’s no guarantee that any scholarships they’ve provided will be waiting for your return. If you do consider taking time off, ask your school about financial support for when you do resume your studies. Unfortunately, many colleges won’t be in a position to make firm promises. 

• Taking time off could affect your student loans. Student loans typically include a grace period, a window of time after you finish school before you need to start making payments. If you take a significant amount of time off, you could trigger your grace period to kick in, meaning you’ll have less of that time once you graduate. Generally, this won’t happen if you have federal loans and take just one semester off. Private loans, however, have varying rules, so you’ll need to look into your options with your lender. 

COVID and College Costs: Aid, Expenses, and Other Factors

Across the country, students have scrambled to assess how their educational costs will be affected by the coronavirus. While many details remain in flux and schools are proceeding differently, there are some general facts that current students should consider. 

Below, we’ve rounded up the latest information on COVID-19’s impacts on college expenses and financial assistance. These subjects may apply to you currently or influence your decision about returning to school. Accordingly, consider each topic carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact your school or lender for additional information. 

Federal Financial Aid You’ve Already Received

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the massive federal spending bill designed to blunt the impacts of COVID-19, included several benefits specifically intended for colleges and their students. 

One key provision guaranteed that students who had already received financial aid for the Spring 2020 semester would be able to keep what they had been awarded – even if their classes were disrupted or moved online. If you received federal loans or grants before the COVID-19 crisis, you don’t need to worry about giving anything back.

The Pause on Federal Loan Payments and Interest

Most current college students won’t start repaying their federal loans until after they leave school. But if you’re a graduate student or paying off loans from a previous college experience, it could be helpful to know that you don’t need to make payments on your federal loans right now.

The CARES Act paused the requirement to make payments from March 13 through Sept. 30, 2020, with no interest accruing during this period. Of course, if you wish to keep paying down your balance, just contact your servicer to let them know you’ll be making voluntary payments during this period.

Lower Rates on New Federal Loans

If you’re considering taking out new federal loans for the coming school year, your timing couldn’t be better. Interest rates on new federal undergraduate loans are at record lows: just 2.75% for loans issued between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. 

Just months ago, interest rates on these loans were nearly 2 percentage points higher. While that might not sound like much at first, that difference can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings over the life of a student loan. The macroeconomic reasons for this low rate are complicated, but the takeaway isn’t: Students in need of financial assistance can borrow on excellent terms right now. 

Federal Work-Study Jobs

Before the arrival of COVID-19, hundreds of thousands of students were employed in federal work-study positions on their respective campuses. If you were one of them, your school determined whether you would continue to get paid through the end of the semester based on loose guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Although the federal government partially funds these jobs, many schools can’t afford to chip in to keep these positions paid. Even if you were paid for the spring semester’s work-study, there’s no guarantee that this will continue for the fall if your campus remains closed. To find out more, contact your school’s financial aid office. 

CARES Act Emergency Grants

The CARES Act included another benefit for college students: emergency aid grants to offset costs resulting from COVID-19. The act set aside more than $6 billion for colleges to disburse to current students experiencing short-term economic challenges due to the pandemic. 

To be clear, this money is intended to help students with expenses resulting from disruptions to their education, not a general financial hardship. If, for example, you need help securing new housing because your dorm was closed, your college could assist you with an emergency grant. If your parent has been furloughed due to the pandemic, however, your new financial challenge would need to be assessed through the typical financial aid process. 

Universities determine how to disburse these emergency funds, so reach out to your school’s financial aid office to find out if you’re eligible. In some cases, schools identified eligible students proactively; others require students to apply.

Room and Board Refunds

At many schools, refunding costs associated with living on campus is a controversial subject. While universities have lost millions in housing, dining, and other campus fees, students often feel these refunds are insufficient. Some of these disagreements have already produced lawsuits and petitions, and many schools have not yet decided how to move forward. 

As a student, your only option is to stay on top of new developments and express your point of view at every opportunity. As colleges set policy, your input can be quite powerful. If you do advocate for more money back, remember that your fees contribute to the salaries of workers at the school, including custodians and food service staff, whom COVID-19 has also affected.

Strong Support – No Matter Where You Study

No matter where your school stands for the fall of 2020, we hope this guide has been helpful. In uncertain times for students and educators, it can be empowering to stay informed. We’ll update this page with the latest information from schools across the country, allowing you to decide what’s best for your own education.

College Finance can support you in other ways as well, with expert advice on all aspects of affording your education. Our articles and guides simplify financial aid and college expenses, allowing you to fund your studies with confidence. And once you finish school, we’ll help you pay back your student loans as quickly – and cheaply – and possible. 

No matter how your college experience happens, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re on campus or studying at home, we’ll be in your corner.