Tribal colleges are facing many challenges as they continue to serve students during the pandemic and a recession. They're starting from a disadvantage, as they are typically underresourced compared to nontribal colleges. Their students, most of whom are Native Americans, are more likely to be low income. Internet connection isn't even possible in some parts of tribal lands. 

Yet they carry on. They took advantage of trainings. They're finding innovative ways to expand internet access. They're hosting traditional ceremonies online.

Attending college during the coronavirus has meant added costs. And the digital divide that was a problem for many students last academic year hasn’t disappeared. In fact, with the fall semester already underway, institutions are still working to assess and overcome the gaps in technology for students.

For the most vulnerable students, a lack of access to the internet and a computer could keep them from enrolling. Already, community colleges—where an early look at enrollment shows a steep drop in attendance this fall—have been ramping up their loaner programs for computers and Wi-Fi hot spots.

Data from more than 1,400 colleges show that most colleges with in-person classes lack a clear testing plan or are testing only students believed to have the coronavirus.

With only weeks remaining before many of those schools plan to send students home for the end of the semester, the findings raise concerns that communities around the U.S. could be exposed to new outbreaks.