On March 20, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move marks a significant shift in federal education policies while fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise to return power to states and local governments.
Though the order does not immediately dissolve the department, it starts a chain of events that would eventually eliminate key federal oversight in higher education. This decision can directly affect financial aid, civil rights protections, and student loan management nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Education was established in 1979 to help coordinate federal resources poured into education and ensure equal access to learning nationwide. Today, the department oversees federal student aid programs, enforces civil rights protections in schools, and collects data to adjust educational policies as needed.
The department’s responsibilities extend to both K-12 and higher education systems, with the most visible impact on college students through financial aid.
According to the Federal Student Aid Office, the department manages over $1.6 trillion in federal student loans and distributes billions of financial aid to over ten million students annually. Beyond that, they also play a crucial role in enforcing Title IX protections and disability rights laws.
If the department were to be dismantled, these responsibilities would need to be transferred to other federal agencies or to state governments. At this time, President Trump’s executive order does not detail what such a transition would look like.
The most immediate concern is what will become of financial aid and other government-provided services for college students under this order. Many programs, such as Pell Grants, SEOG, and federal student loans, serve as a lifeline for many students nationwide and are all managed through the Department of Education.
Pell Grants are need-based awards for undergraduate students who show significant financial aid through forms like FAFSA.
For the 2024-25 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. These funds do not need to be repaid and often are a critical resource for low-income students. The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is another form of need-based aid. SEOG grants, designated for the same demographic of students, can provide up to $4,000 per year.
The amount varies on the student’s financial status and the school’s available funds. Both programs rely on the department for regulation and distribution. Without the department, it is unsure how these would continue. Federal student loans face the most uncertainty.
While the executive order says loan delivery will continue, it does not specify which agency will take over servicing. Transitioning responsibilities for a $1.6 trillion portfolio is not simple by any standard. This could disrupt communications, delay payments, and create chaos for millions of borrowers.
Beyond financial aid, the Department of Education plays a key role in enforcing nationwide civil rights protections for students. It oversees adherence with Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education, and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Advocacy groups are concerned that dismantling the department could weaken these protections. The National Urban League condemned the executive order, stating it “has played a critical role in upholding America’s promise of equal educational opportunity for all.”
Similarly, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a press release expressing alarm, that the department’s dissolution could “undermine civil rights protections for students nationwide.”
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon wrote an op-ed supporting the elimination of the department she leads, writing, “despite more than a trillion dollars in federal spending, test scores have flatlined and millions of students remain stuck in failing government-run schools.”
Those who oppose the decision contend that the Department of Education is essential for maintaining equitable educational standards nationwide. The National Education Association (NEA) warned in a statement that dismantling the department could “negatively impact the millions of students in low-income communities who need educational services and support.”
Legal experts also note that while the executive order initiates the process, abolishing a federal department requires congressional approval. The Clery Center highlighted in a statement that “any attempt to defund or abolish it would require congressional action,” underscoring the legal complexities involved.
As the debate continues, the future of the Department of Education remains uncertain, with significant implications for students, educators, and institutions nationwide. In the meantime, students relying on federal support should monitor updates closely as Congress and advocacy groups respond to the proposed changes.
