Michael Burke
Michael covers higher education, including California’s community colleges and the University of California. Since joining EdSource in 2019, he has covered major stories including the steep enrollment declines at community colleges; the elimination of standardized tests in university admissions; efforts to improve California’s community college transfer system; and more. He graduated from Syracuse University in 2018, where he studied journalism and political science. He lives in Los Angeles.
All articles by Michael Burke
Blocked by CSU, community college bachelor's degrees closer to approval following new analysis
A 2021 state law allows community colleges to create bachelor's degrees, so long as they don't duplicate what the state universities offer. Seven proposed degrees have stalled for years because of objections from California State University.
Michael Burke
December 23, 2025
Community colleges offer new classes to prepare students for calculus, comply with controversial law
A new law is changing course pathways for thousands of community college students in science and math majors. Long sequences of prerequisites, including algebra and trigonometry, are no longer required before taking calculus.
Michael Burke
December 5, 2025
Fewer new international students enroll at U.S. colleges amid Trump restrictions
Enrollments of new international students at U.S. colleges declined 17% this fall as the Trump administration has delayed visa processing and created travel restrictions.
Michael Burke
November 17, 2025
You’re in and didn’t even apply? Why college direct admissions is growing nationally
For universities that participate in direct admissions, eligible high school seniors are automatically offered spots before they even apply. Proponents say it can help colleges increase enrollment and make the process simpler for students.
Michael Burke
October 23, 2025
Student support programs in peril after federal cuts at Hispanic-serving community colleges
California's community colleges are scrambling to preserve programs that are funded by Hispanic-Serving Institution grants, part of a federal program that the Trump administration is eliminating.
Michael Burke
October 8, 2025
Trump administration to end grant funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, affecting many California colleges
The White House said it would cut $350 million that was budgeted for grant programs supporting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other minority-serving colleges.
Michael Burke And Amy DiPierro
September 10, 2025
How California community colleges are using AI to battle financial aid fraud
About 80 of California's community colleges are now or will soon be using AI to more easily detect fake students who try to enroll for the purpose of stealing financial aid.
Michael Burke
September 2, 2025
Trump administration says UCLA violated civil rights law with 'indifferent' response to antisemitism complaints
On the same day UCLA agreed to a $6.45 million settlement with Jewish students, the U.S. Department of Justice declared the campus had violated Jewish students' civil rights during pro-Palestinian protests.
Michael Burke
July 29, 2025
As he takes on University of California’s presidency, Milliken will lean on his experience in three other states
James Milliken will officially take over as the University of California's president this week. His previous stints leading other large public universities offer insight into his leadership style and priorities.
Michael Burke
July 29, 2025
UC admits more Californians, but elite campuses stay selective
UC admitted a record number of first-year California residents for fall 2025, according to data released Monday. Some campuses, though, accepted fewer Californians than last year.
Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis
July 28, 2025
UC regents appear to support future tuition increases, but are skeptical of bigger ones
UC has been increasing tuition annually for each incoming undergraduate class. The hikes are set to expire after 2026-27, but the system is likely to extend them.
Michael Burke
July 17, 2025
UC Berkeley chancellor tells Congress of commitment to protect Jewish students, but defends free speech
Chancellor Rich Lyons joined the leaders of Georgetown University and The City University of New York for the latest congressional hearing on antisemitism on college campuses.
Michael Burke
July 15, 2025
As feds plan new measures to prevent financial aid fraud, colleges hope real students still enroll
The U.S. Department of Education is planning to implement a new screening process to prevent financial aid fraud. California colleges say they hope it doesn't place too much of a burden on students.
Michael Burke
July 3, 2025
California colleges worry about lawsuit challenging funding for campuses with many Hispanic students Â
California colleges since 1995 have received more than $600 million in federal grants through the Hispanic Serving Institutions program. A lawsuit challenging the program could put the future of that funding in peril.
Michael Burke
June 26, 2025
'Serving adult learners': California community colleges are expanding short-term career programs
Mt. San Antonio College has added 48 noncredit, short-term vocational programs in the past five years. It's indicative of a growing trend across California's community colleges.
