On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order initiating the dismantling of the Department of Education, a decision that carries significant implications for college students across the nation.
The White House claims the department will continue to manage federal student loans, but the language of the order suggests otherwise. With over $1.6 trillion in federal student loans currently being overseen by the Department of Education, there is widespread concern over how these loans will be managed if the department is dissolved. Trump has hinted at transferring this massive financial responsibility to the Treasury Department or the Small Business Administration, agencies that lack the infrastructure necessary to handle the needs of America’s students.
The stated goal of the executive order is to empower the states, placing more control over education in their hands. However, this shift could have dire consequences. Without the Department of Education ensuring consistency in data collection and oversight, many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, rural communities, and those with disabilities, could fall through the cracks. Currently, states and local districts already control much of their own school curriculums and policies, but the federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and equity in education.
The Department of Education provides essential funding that supports millions of students. Programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are lifelines for underserved communities. Title I grants alone serve about 26 million low-income students, while IDEA funding ensures that 7.4 million students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school.
Dismantling the department could mean a significant reduction or disorganization in the distribution of these funds, leaving many institutions scrambling to fill the gaps. Many public schools, already facing budgetary constraints, receive around 14% of their funding from federal sources. The loss of these funds can create disparities in education, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and making higher education increasingly inaccessible for those who rely on federal assistance.
College students across the country depend on federal aid to afford their education. Pell Grants, for example, provide crucial financial assistance for low-income students who might not otherwise have the means to attend college. If the Department of Education is dismantled, the fate of these grants remains uncertain. Trump’s administration has suggested that federal student loans will continue under another federal entity, but such a transition will likely be fraught with bureaucratic delays, confusion, and mismanagement, potentially leaving millions of students without the financial support they need.
Moreover, colleges and universities rely on the Department of Education to administer civil rights protections for students. The Office of Civil Rights, which holds educational institutions accountable for combating discrimination, has already suffered severe cutbacks, with seven of its 12 regional offices shuttered. Without this oversight, students who face discrimination based on race, religion, or disability may have fewer avenues for recourse. The erosion of these protections threatens to make college campuses less inclusive and equitable.
The dismantling of the Department of Education has also led to massive workforce cuts, with nearly 50% of employees being laid off or taking voluntary buyouts. The loss of experienced staff creates uncertainty about how effectively remaining federal education programs will be administered. Overworked and under-resourced agencies may struggle to process financial aid applications, distribute funding, and enforce regulations that protect students. This could lead to delays in loan disbursement, errors in grant allocations, and increased frustration for students and families already navigating the complexities of higher education.
Education is often referred to as the great equalizer—the key to the American Dream. Without a centralized body ensuring equitable access and enforcement of education policies, current students and future generations risk being left behind in an increasingly unequal system. The removal of federal oversight will lead to significant disparities between states, with some prioritizing education while others cut funding or implement policies that fail to support students in need.
Beyond funding, the absence of the Department of Education will mean that institutions no longer have a standardized means of accountability. Colleges and universities can set their own policies regarding tuition, admissions, and financial aid without the necessary federal guidelines that ensure fairness and accessibility for all students from lower income backgrounds from even considering higher education, fearing insurmountable costs and lack of support.
Furthermore, research and innovation will suffer without federal investment in education. Many groundbreaking studies and technological advancements originate from federally funded research grants awarded to universities. Without a federal education body to distribute and oversee these funds, the United States risks falling further behind in global academic and scientific progress.
The decision to dismantle the Department of Education is not just a political maneuver—it is a direct threat to the millions of students who rely on its services. However, this is not the time to despair. It is the moment to act. Students, educators, and concerned citizens must raise their voices, advocate for policies that protect educational funding, and support organizations that fight for equal access to education.
Hope lies in collective action. If students, parents, and educators come together, they can demand that Congress safeguard essential programs and uphold the principles of equity and accessibility in education. The future of the next generations depends on our ability to protect their right to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. Now is the time to stand up and fight for education—for ourselves and for the generations to come.
