On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, beginning his second term. As Trump takes office for a second term, the future of education in the United States enters a critical phase. His administration’s policies on federal funding, school choice, and student loan programs are set to shape the educational landscape for years to come. Public schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas, could see significant changes as funding priorities shift, while higher education institutions may need to navigate evolving regulations on student aid and international enrollment. Supporters argue that Trump’s approach emphasizes efficiency, parental choice, and reducing government overreach, while critics warn of potential cuts to vital programs and increased challenges for vulnerable students. Here is a roundup of the key shifts students and educators can expect under his presidency.
Restructuring or Closing the US Department of Education
A primary area of change under Trump’s second term could be the restructuring or even closing of the US Department of Education (DoE). Throughout his first term, Trump expressed discontent with federal oversight in education, advocating for more control to be placed in the hands of individual states. If Trump follows through on this agenda, it could lead to a significant reduction in federal influence over student loans, grants, and policies aimed at ensuring civil rights protections for students. The impact on marginalized students, especially those who rely on federal aid programs, could be severe.
Potential Setback for Student Loan Forgiveness and Debt Relief
Another major change is likely to come in the form of reduced support for student loan forgiveness programs. While President Biden’s administration pursued extensive student debt relief measures, Trump has opposed these efforts, advocating for the prioritization of students who have already repaid their loans. Trump’s administration is expected to push back against student loan forgiveness initiatives, possibly reversing any existing plans that would have provided financial relief to millions of borrowers. This policy stance could further strain US student borrowers, whose combined debt stands at over $1.7 trillion according to the Federal Reserve.
Stricter Immigration Policies Affecting Indian Students
Indian students remain a significant demographic within US higher education. According to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) 2024 Open Doors Report, over 200,000 Indian students were enrolled in US colleges and universities making India the largest source of international students. However, Trump’s administration has historically pushed for stricter immigration controls, including potential reductions in student visas and scrutiny in visa processes. After his re-election, visa processing delays could impact Indian students’ ability to pursue studies in the US, further exacerbating the challenges related to international student admissions.
Diminishing Support for Black Students’ Educational Rights
Black students, who make up around 13% of the US college student body, may see a rollback of diversity initiatives in higher education. According to a 2022 survey by the National Black Student Association (NBSA), 72% of Black students believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are essential to creating inclusive educational environments. However, under Trump’s second term, these programs could be cut back or eliminated, making it harder for Black students to benefit from support systems designed to help them thrive in higher education.
Impact on Hispanic Students, DACA, and Higher Education Access
Hispanic students, particularly those covered by the DACA program, could experience challenges in pursuing higher education if Trump continues his efforts to dismantle DACA. The American Council on Education (ACE) estimates that nearly 500,000 DACA recipients are currently enrolled in US colleges and universities. A rollback of these protections could prevent many Hispanic students from accessing financial aid, leading to a significant reduction in higher education enrollment from this demographic. This could also exacerbate existing disparities in college completion rates for Hispanic students.
Challenges For by LGBTQ+ Students and Title IX Protections
LGBTQ+ and transgender students are also likely to face increased discrimination and reduced protections under a Trump-led administration. During his first term, Trump rolled back several protections for transgender students, including guidelines that allowed them to use school bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity. If this trend continues, the future of transgender students in educational institutions could be under threat. Under Trump’s administration, changes to Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, could remove protections that are critical for transgender students, particularly those in athletics. This could create a more hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students, who already face disproportionately high rates of harassment and discrimination in schools.
