President Donald Trump is pushing to dismantle the Department of Education, potentially putting federal student aid programs in jeopardy.
It’s possible that the management of federal loans could transfer to another agency if Trump is successful, although the effort would require congressional approval.
But either way, students who rely on federal assistance to attend college, including through Pell Grants, are facing uncertainty as Trump and billionaire Elon Musk set about remaking the federal government.
The college sent two emails when Trump first ordered a freeze on federal aid programs and grants that had included some student aid programs — and then rescinded it. The emails sent on Jan. 29 and Jan. 28 followed two others addressing executive orders around immigration.
About 49% of undergraduate students received Pell Grants in Fall 2024, as the Chronicle previously reported.
James Kvaal, the former United States Under Secretary of Education, told Inside Higher Education that this is not the first time FAFSA has encountered changes under Trump’s administration.
In 2017, officials called for a hiring freeze that negatively impacted the agency. Kvall is concerned that this new term and hiring freeze will deepen the already prevalent issues, like having fewer full-time technicians who can solve internal problems related to a new form that came out last year.
All of this is happening with a smaller office to help students navigate the changes. Six staff members who worked in Student Financial Aid were among the 70 people laid off last May, as the Chronicle previously reported.
In one of the emails, Interim President and CEO Jerry Tarrer tried to reassure students, telling them that “the college is monitoring all actions taken in Washington by the new presidential administration and will keep our community informed and updated as necessary.”
But students need more than that. The college should make certain that the financial aid office has adequate staff to address the questions and concerns that students may have. They could offer workshops or walk-in events to ease anxiety and give a direct line of communication for students to ask their questions.
Students who rely on federal aid deserve a fully staffed financial aid office that is able to provide information as Trump’s plans take shape.
Copy edited by Trinity Balboa
