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Top Risks Report: Insights for Higher Education

Lindsey Dunn
January 2026
college students walking across campus

Why Read This

Each year, United Educators’ (UE’s) college and university members share their most pressing risks in the Top Risk Survey. This year’s survey reveals the self-reported top risks across UE’s higher education membership and highlights changes from 2020-25. 

Members also responded to survey questions regarding two emerging risk areas identified by members in last year’s report — risk management operations and name, image, and likeness (NIL).  

Download the Report

 

More From UE
View last year's report 

Key Takeaways

  • Admissions and Retention retained its spot as the top risk in higher education. 
  • Compliance (Non-VAWA/Title IX) had the top 10’s biggest increase two years in a row. 
  • For the first time, Athletics ranked as one of the top 10 risks.

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