President-elect Donald Trump’s victory on November 5 has cast uncertainty over the future of higher education in the United States, with experts voicing concern about potential policy shifts and funding cuts. From student loan reforms to immigration policies, Trump’s campaign promises have raised alarm among college leaders.
“I think I’ll just be honest about it: I’m very anxious,” said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education (ACE), during an ACE podcast. Mitchell cited Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which included attacks on higher education, as a major concern. “We have an administration and maybe a Congress that doesn’t believe we’re a positive good for society,” he said.
Immigration Policies Threaten Undocumented Students
One of Trump’s first priorities, he told NBC News, will be tightening border security and executing mass deportations, including undocumented students. Wesleyan University President Michael Roth issued a statement condemning these actions, vowing to protect vulnerable students. “The mass deportations promised by president-elect Trump threaten our students who may be undocumented,” Roth said, emphasizing Wesleyan’s commitment to non-discrimination.
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal estimates that more than 407,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in U.S. higher education, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.
Project 2025: Restructuring the Department of Education
Trump’s second term could also include dismantling the Department of Education, as outlined in Project 2025, a plan developed by the Heritage Foundation. The proposal suggests transferring federal student aid to the Department of Treasury and shifting civil rights investigations to the Department of Justice.
Sarah Spreitzer, assistant vice president at ACE, said Project 2025 is more than rhetoric. “It is a multi-page, step-by-step guide,” she explained, warning that the plan would limit federal involvement in education.
Threats to DEI and Academic Freedom
DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs are expected to face significant opposition under the new administration. Jon Fansmith, ACE’s assistant vice president of government relations, highlighted the potential for civil rights investigations into DEI initiatives. “The critique is that they are inherently discriminatory against other groups of students,” he said, warning of a possible chilling effect on campuses.
Fansmith also expressed concerns about threats to academic freedom, noting skepticism among Republicans about its value. Statements from Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and Trump’s campaign have further fueled these fears.
Higher education leaders, including Morgan State University President David Wilson and Emerson College President Jay Bernhardt, have called for resilience and unity. Wilson reminded students of their institution’s legacy of overcoming adversity, while Bernhardt encouraged reaffirming the role of education in fostering communication and understanding.
With Trump set to take office in January, the higher education community is bracing for a challenging four years.
