Is the Department of Education Going Away? Find Out Here
The Department of Education's role in the federal government has been questioned recently, with many looking for clear answers to the Department's status.
The Department of Education has been operating since May 4, 1980, when former President Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Education Organization Act. This act split the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare into two separate departments: the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency has grown in size and influence over the years, something that some individuals in the political space may critique.
President Donald Trump implied in February 2025 that the Department of Education (ED) would be abolished via executive order. However, for the ED to go away, Congress would have to pass a measure to close it. If you're wondering what this means and how it might affect you and your higher education goals, keep reading our guide to understand the fundamentals of this situation.
What Does the U.S. Department of Education Do?
The U.S. Department of Education is a federal agency that oversees public and private schooling systems and coordinates educational achievement. Its mission is to ensure that students of all abilities can access education and to foster competitive educational outcomes.
A common myth is that the Department of Education directly operates schools in the United States and sets school curricula. This is incorrect—the states and local school districts are in charge of determining which curriculum to use and what standards to meet.
The main roles of the Department of Education within the federal government are as follows:
- Oversee student loans and financial aid programs and administer federal Pell Grants to low-income students to encourage university attendance.
- Fund special education programs and inclusive programs for students with disabilities or those who are struggling with poverty.
- Enforce Civil Rights laws, including those that prevent race- and sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (Title IX).
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Is the Department of Education Being Eliminated?
President Trump and adviser Elon Musk significantly discussed abolishing the ED during President Trump's campaign and after he took office. He wants to get rid of the ED because of his desire to reform America's education system and because he believes the department is a source of wasteful federal spending.
Trump alone cannot shut down the Department of Education without approval from Congress. It is improbable that they would approve such an action that removes a federal agency altogether. Plus, the passing of such a bill would need all of the Republican senators and at least seven Democratic senators to vote in favor of dissolving the ED.
Trump Administration's Education Policy Reform
The White House Fact Sheet for the Education Policy Reform Executive Order (EO) states that the intention of the executive order is to empower students and parents through school choice, defend parental rights and educational opportunity, and strengthen education in the nation through freedom and opportunity.
More specifically, Trump wants to increase the choices parents have for educating their children, such as using homeschool programs or enrolling them in faith-based schools. If parents choose to do so, they may receive Educational Savings Accounts and school vouchers to pay for tuition and school supplies. This money would come from the funds previously used to maintain the ED's existence, and other federal departments would pick up some of the work the Department of Education performed.
Overall, this education policy reform is part of a more conservative ideal to remove federal government involvement in state matters, returning decision-making for public education and both public schools and private schools to the states. Trump intends to save taxpayers money and cut the federal budget with this EO.
Executive Order and Role of Congress
President Trump allegedly has plans to issue one or more executive orders aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. If such an executive order is issued, it would need to receive Congressional approval.
For Congress to approve the shutdown of this federal agency, 60 must vote in favor of it. Since Republicans in Congress have a narrow majority of 53 members, seven representatives from the Democratic party would have to vote to support the ED's closure. Therefore, it is unlikely that the ED will be completely shut down.
How Would Eliminating the Department of Education Impact College Students?
The Department of Education receives money from the federal government that is collected through contributions by individual taxpayers, small businesses and corporations, and other types of taxes, such as the estate tax. In 2024, the Department of Education spent 268 billion dollars, which was 4% of federal spending, on various educational programs and initiatives.
The impact of the elimination of the Department of Education on college students could be minimal or significant, depending on how this elimination is carried out. We will explain below how the potential elimination of the department could affect college students.
FAFSA Student Loans and Pell Grants
One of the biggest roles of the Department of Education within the federal government is to fund student loans and federal Pell Grants. Without the ED operating as expected, student loan repayment plans may be affected, as will the disbursement of funds. While there is talk of the Department of the Treasury overtaking the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and assuming responsibility for FAFSA student loans and Pell Grants, there is no guarantee that this will keep the process of receiving and paying back student aid running smoothly.
Additionally, the Federal Pell Grant is intended to help students below a certain income level be able to afford college tuition. If the ED removes protections for low-income students, the funding for this grant may be affected, and some students may no longer be able to receive the grant.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLFP has existed since 2007 when President George W. Bush signed it into law as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. This act aims to forgive federal student loan debt for students who go on to work in a full-time public service role.
During his previous administration, Trump twice proposed eliminating PSLF, but it was eventually dropped. If the PSLF is ended during this administration, previous loan agreements would be grandfathered in, and new students may not be able to use public service as a means to reduce student loans. Keep in mind that PSLF is currently a law, and getting rid of a law would also require approval from Congress.
Students With Disabilities and Other Needs
The Department of Education provides protections for those with disabilities and enforces anti-discrimination laws within federally funded educational programs. Without the ED to provide these protections, students with disabilities may suffer from a lack of access to education or a lack of oversight when it comes to anti-discrimination policies. School choice for those with disabilities may also be limited.
It will be up to the schools themselves and local school boards to uphold these protections and maintain programs that provide access to those with disabilities, and this may or may not be feasible, depending on the priorities of the state and funding specifics.
Paying for College in 2025
If you are worried about solely relying on federal funds to pay for college, you can also investigate other types of financial aid. There are many scholarships available through colleges themselves and through national or local scholarship programs that you might qualify for. The best way to find these programs is to research what scholarships are available for the type of degree you're planning on earning.
For example, you may be eligible for nursing or cybersecurity scholarships if you are planning to major in these subjects. Adult learners, non-traditional students, and military students also often qualify for tuition discounts and certain scholarships to make their higher education more affordable. Some students may qualify for additional private loans or be able to rely on family members to get the funding they need in order to pursue their degree.
However, the Department of Education still exists, and you can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other federal funds to help you pay for higher education in 2025. Of course, you should stay up-to-date on changing policies passed by the current administration to make informed decisions about paying for college and obtaining federal funding.
