Some of the universities in states currently being hit hardest by COVID-19 are planning largely in-person fall semesters.

Nationally, 57% of colleges are currently planning for an in-person curriculum while 38% have proposed either an online or hybrid model.

GPG examined how universities are dealing with back to school plans in four of the states hardest hit by COVID-19 – New York, California, Texas, and Florida – which collectively now have over 1.2 million total cases.

Over 53% of colleges in Florida and Texas— current hotspots that collectively accounted for over 18,000 cases yesterday alone— report they plan for an in-person curriculum.

On the other hand, New York, which has seemingly flattened its curve with under 1,000 new cases and zero deaths in New York City yesterday, appears to be erring on the side of caution with only 34% of colleges planning for an in-person curriculum.

Similarly, only 17% of California schools plan for in-person with 77% planning for online or hybrid models.

Decisions regarding the fall semester were further complicated last week when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a directive which would put international student visas at risk of termination should colleges resume online this fall.