A 2020 survey conducted by the New York Times of over 1,500 American colleges and universities revealed at least 26,000 COVID-19 cases and 64 related deaths since the pandemic began. The surveyed institutions included every four-year public institution and private colleges competing in N.C.A.A. sports. Many of these colleges reported major spikes as dormitories opened and classes resumed, counting over 20,000 additional cases since late July 2020.