Key points:
- Colleges and universities must form stronger partnerships to fill the void left by federal oversight
- Higher education in flux: Students at the heart of change
- Reshaping higher education: The impact of proposed federal changes on institutions
- For more news on the Department of Education, visit eCN’s Campus Leadership hub
The shock is palpable. While discussions about reducing federal oversight in education have circulated for years, few in the academic community believed it would happen. Yet here we are. The Trump administration is planning on releasing an executive order to systematically dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, setting in motion a plan to shift its responsibilities–or eliminate them altogether.
The consequences for higher education will be profound, touching everything from financial aid to research funding, academic standards, and institutional survival. Now, the question is no longer if change is coming, but how do we respond to ensure the future of accessible and equitable education.
The immediate fallout
In the short term, the most pressing concern is financial stability. The Department of Education has been the backbone of student aid, administering Pell Grants, federal loans, and other programs that provide millions of students with access to higher education. With the department now in the process of being dismantled, funding pipelines have become uncertain. If federal financial aid is interrupted, students–especially those from lower-income backgrounds–could find themselves unable to continue their education.
To address this, colleges and universities must get creative in securing alternative funding sources. Endowments, private-sector scholarships, and increased partnerships with state governments could help offset the loss of federal assistance. Institutions must also develop more flexible tuition models, including income-share agreements and expanded work-study programs, to ensure students aren’t priced out of their education.
Beyond financial aid, the absence of federal oversight leaves a gaping hole in regulatory enforcement. The Department of Education has historically ensured that academic institutions adhere to baseline quality standards while protecting students’ rights. Now, without a national regulatory body, higher education faces the risk of a patchwork system where some states uphold rigorous academic standards while others weaken them.
One way forward is for institutions to take charge of their own accountability. Universities can form self-regulatory consortia that establish shared accreditation frameworks and enforce institutional quality standards. Collaboration across institutions will be critical to maintaining academic integrity in a system that now lacks federal oversight.
Another immediate concern is the fate of programs that have supported historically underrepresented students. Ayelet Sheffey and Andy Kiersz examined how federal initiatives have aimed to create pathways for students from different socio-economic backgrounds to succeed in higher education. Now, as these federal mandates disappear, colleges will need to step up their own efforts to ensure that students from all walks of life continue to have access to education. Instead of relying on government-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives, institutions should prioritize student success programs that focus on access, belonging, and opportunity. Strengthening mentorship programs, increasing targeted scholarship opportunities, and integrating community-based support networks will be key strategies in maintaining an inclusive learning environment.
Long-term implications
Looking beyond the immediate disruption, the long-term consequences of dismantling the Department of Education could create even deeper divides within higher education. One of the biggest threats is the growing disparity between well-funded elite institutions and smaller colleges, particularly public regional universities and community colleges that serve as educational lifelines for millions of students. Without federal grants and funding structures that support these institutions, we may see widespread closures, further limiting educational access for students who rely on affordable, local education options.
Another significant challenge is the massive cuts in research funding. Federal grants have been a driving force behind scientific discovery, medical breakthroughs, and technological advancement in higher education. With federal support diminishing, research priorities may increasingly be dictated by private industry, favoring commercial interests over public-good projects. Universities will need to diversify their research funding models, seeking out partnerships with international organizations, nonprofit institutions, and philanthropic entities to sustain critical academic research.
The decentralization of education policy could also lead to fragmented academic standards across states, with some regions investing in high-quality education while others weaken their requirements. Without a unified federal body maintaining a national baseline, students’ educational experiences–and the value of their degrees–may vary widely depending on where they study. Institutions will need to proactively advocate for policies at the state level that preserve academic rigor and protect students’ rights.
AI as a tool for adaptation
As higher education grapples with these monumental shifts, artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities. While AI cannot replace lost federal funding or fix systemic inequities, it can serve as a tool to help institutions adapt. AI-driven analytics can assist colleges in identifying at-risk students earlier and tailoring interventions to improve retention rates, even in an era of reduced federal support.
Additionally, AI-powered tutoring and adaptive learning platforms can help institutions maintain academic quality in a decentralized system. These technologies can provide personalized learning experiences at scale, ensuring students continue to receive high-quality instruction regardless of the broader political landscape. In research, AI can streamline data analysis and automate administrative tasks, allowing faculty to focus more on innovation and discovery.
The future is now: A call to action
The dismantling of the Department of Education represents one of the most significant shifts in American higher education policy in decades. It is a moment of disruption, but also one of reinvention. Institutions, educators, and policymakers must act now to build sustainable models that preserve educational access, uphold academic excellence, and ensure that students are not left behind.
Colleges and universities must form stronger partnerships–both with each other and with private and public organizations–to fill the void left by federal oversight. State-level advocacy will be more important than ever, as policies governing education will increasingly be decided at the local level. Most critically, institutions must remain committed to their fundamental mission: expanding opportunity, fostering academic inquiry, and preparing students for an ever-evolving world.
While the challenges ahead are undeniable, history has shown that higher education is adaptable and resilient. This is a defining moment–one that will determine whether the future of higher learning is one of exclusion and fragmentation or one of innovation and expanded opportunity. The path forward will be difficult, but it is in our hands to shape what comes next.
- The unthinkable becomes reality: Higher ed in the wake of the Department of Education’s dismantling - February 11, 2025
- DEI under siege: How AI can bridge the gap in higher education - January 24, 2025
- Higher education in flux: Students at the heart of change - January 8, 2025