The prospective leadership of President-elect Donald Trump is expected to bring substantial changes to the higher education sector. Analysts predict that his administration may revise the federal government’s involvement in higher education, potentially with limited opposition from Congress or the judiciary.
Historical trends from the previous Trump administration indicate a preference for the financial interests of proprietary colleges over student welfare, which raised concerns about undermining protections for at-risk student populations. Observers note that a second term may further weaken these protections, with threats to initiatives that aim to dismantle the Department of Education, privatize federal student loans, and regulate campus speech. Additionally, broader policies such as mass deportations and increased tariffs are expected to have significant repercussions for educational institutions.
The capacity of the incoming administration to actualize its agenda is likely to influence educational opportunities, particularly regarding consumer protection, federal college access, student loan affordability, and academic freedom.
Potential Rollbacks of Student Protections
The incoming administration is anticipated to introduce significant reductions in vital student protections, notably the “Gainful Employment” rule, which aimed to prevent federal financial aid from supporting educational programs that fail to serve students effectively. The elimination of this rule could result in substantial financial loss for both students and government, with estimates suggesting billions might be wasted on ineffective training programs.
Additionally, the administration is expected to scrutinize the Borrower Defense rule, which provides loan relief to students defrauded by for-profit colleges. Millions have benefitted from this protection, and its repeal could impede numerous individuals from escaping significant debt burdens.
Funding Challenges and Equity Gaps
Concerns also arise regarding the administration’s approach to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Proposed plans to dissolve the Department of Education could threaten essential funding streams, endangering the viability of these institutions. Funding programs such as Title III Part B and Title V play crucial roles in supporting the success of HBCUs and MSIs.
The challenges of achieving equitable funding may be exacerbated by the administration’s positions on diversity and equity, potentially widening the disparities among various educational institutions.
Increased Risks of Student Loan Defaults
The potential cancellation of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan could heighten financial distress for student borrowers. This plan, initiated by the Biden-Harris administration to reduce monthly payments, would likely be rescinded, leading to an increased risk of loan defaults and the serious repercussions associated with delinquency.
Concerns Over Academic Freedom
Under President-elect Trump, academic institutions are likely to face heightened constraints on their independence. Previous comments suggest a methodical approach to using federal funding as leverage to enforce compliance with conservative ideologies on campuses. Such strategies could suppress open discourse and diverse viewpoints within higher education, jeopardizing fundamental academic principles.
Institutions of higher education may need to explore alternative strategies to minimize reliance on federal funding to uphold their missions and independence. The implications of the incoming administration’s policies have the potential to reshape the higher education landscape, compelling institutions to navigate an increasingly intricate and demanding environment.
(Source: The Century Foundation)