The potential implications of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House on U.S. higher education merit close observation. His first term saw significant changes, including increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities, the introduction of taxes aimed at elite private institutions, and various modifications to student aid policies. As Trump prepares to resume office, several key issues related to higher education are expected to emerge.
Challenges in Abolishing the Department of Education
For over forty years, some conservative factions have advocated for the abolition of the Department of Education. This initiative has gained some traction within Republican circles and is referenced in Project 2025 documentation. Despite these efforts, the department has remained intact through various Republican administrations. Previous attempts by Trump to merge this department with the U.S. Department of Labor did not advance beyond the proposal stage. The department’s responsibilities, which include fund distribution to states and student loan facilitation, continue to receive popular support. Abolishing the department would require action from Congress, where such initiatives may struggle to find support without a substantial majority in the Senate.
Supreme Court Decisions Affecting Higher Education Policy
Recent Supreme Court rulings have placed limitations on federal agencies’ abilities to interpret ambiguous laws, complicating potential regulatory modifications within the Department of Education. This situation restricts the department’s power to enforce regulations that are not explicitly outlined in the Higher Education Act. Given the current political environment, significant legal challenges are anticipated from various states if attempts are made to alter policies concerning Title IX or student visa regulations.
Increased Scrutiny of Elite Institutions
Despite connections to prestigious universities, the Trump administration may maintain a trend of scrutinizing elite colleges and universities. The imposition of an endowment tax on affluent universities in the previous administration illustrates this movement. Furthermore, increased scrutiny may arise from congressional hearings addressing societal issues related to campus events and protests.
Potential Decline in International Student Enrollment
The United States has historically been the preferred destination for international students among Western countries, but alterations in student visa policies could disrupt this trend. Data from Trump’s first term reflected a 12% decline in international student enrollment. Changes in visa regulations are likely to have a substantial impact on smaller colleges that are already facing financial difficulties, potentially jeopardizing their operations.
Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act
During his candidacy, Trump proposed changes to higher education accreditation processes and the establishment of a national online university to address perceived issues with “woke” culture in education. However, substantial changes to the Higher Education Act would require congressional approval, a task that recent administrations have found challenging. The prevailing political dynamics suggest that significant revisions or reauthorizations of this act may remain elusive in the near future.
In summary, Trump’s second term may lead to a standstill in federal higher education policies. Elite institutions may experience ongoing criticism, and the appeal of the United States as a destination for international students could wane. Major policy changes will likely rely on favorable court rulings regarding executive actions or collaborative efforts from Congress, reflecting the difficulties encountered during Trump’s first term.
(Original source: Forbes)