Education graduate students often return to school to contribute to the public good, prioritizing the intrinsic value of education over higher wages. They believe in its transformative power to improve lives. This sentiment drives many to pursue advanced degrees in education policy and economics, aiming to make a meaningful impact through research and policy development.
In 2019, enrollment in a doctoral program for economics and education policy was driven by a desire to understand state and federal education policies better. The focus has since been on researching Pell Grants and tuition-free college policies’ effects and the role of school counselors in supporting student mental health and futures. Despite claims by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that such research is wasteful, it is cost-efficient and essential for shaping effective education policy.
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The Trump administration’s support for Project 2025’s education changes has led to significant cuts in education research and public education dismantling. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s workforce reductions and President Donald Trump’s executive order to close the department illustrate this trend. Despite legal challenges, the administration’s stance against the Education Department remains apparent.
Proposed House Reconciliation Bill changes to Pell Grants and student loans add uncertainty for students paying for college. An executive order titled “Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness” threatens debt forgiveness for public service workers, including educators. Funding cuts to the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation have further reduced research opportunities.
The Trump administration’s actions imply that prospective students should not rely on federal financial aid. Opportunities like the National Science Foundation’s support are dwindling, affecting future graduate students. Postdoctoral fellowship funding has been canceled, leaving research goals in jeopardy.
Many universities have paused doctoral program admissions, anticipating budget cuts and reduced federal funding. Former federal research pathways are endangered, with private philanthropy unable to compensate for federal spending cuts.
Related: Education researchers sue Trump administration, testing executive power
These challenges pose existential threats to higher education, requiring strong responses from administrators, public officials, and students. Defending academic freedom, federal research funding, and financial aid for students is crucial. College presidents should unite to demand federal funding restoration, safeguard free speech, and support underrepresented students. Leaders like Princeton’s Christopher Eisgruber and Wesleyan’s Michael Roth have exemplified strong resistance to funding cuts. Universities should draft a mutual defense compact to pool resources against federal funding cuts.
The administration’s focus on undermining higher education highlights these institutions’ critical role in democracy and economic support. Higher education fosters citizenship, intellectual growth, and career paths for those committed to public education. Without these pathways, crucial opportunities for skill development and community service are lost. Higher education is more vital than ever.
Daniel Sparks is a postdoctoral fellow in economics and education at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on higher education finance and policy.
Contact the opinion editor at opinion@hechingerreport.org.
This story about the Trump administration and higher education was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s weekly newsletter.
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