By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to this issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. This week’s policy developments underscore the intense pressures facing higher education and federal oversight, from shutdown-related layoffs to new proposals that challenge institutional autonomy and access for students. At the same time, we are seeing colleges, states, and advocates step up to defend students, protect equity, and preserve academic freedom. Even in the midst of disruption, these actions highlight the resilience of the education community and the impact of organized advocacy in shaping policy outcomes.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Trump administration’s latest actions have intensified tensions across the education landscape, with colleges, advocates, and policymakers responding to a series of escalating developments affecting students, institutions, and federal oversight.

The administration turned its attention to undocumented student supports, directing the Education Department to investigate the University of Nevada, Reno’s UndocuPack program. The Justice Department claimed the university may have used taxpayer funds to “assist illegal immigrants,” while university president Brian Sandoval, a former Republican governor, strongly defended the initiative as lawful and fully state-funded. Advocates warn that the probe could serve as a “test case” aimed at deterring other campuses from offering services to undocumented students.

At the same time, the Trump administration introduced a proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which ties new federal funding opportunities to institutional commitments around admissions, hiring, and “viewpoint diversity.” The proposal drew immediate skepticism from higher education leaders, who voiced concerns about threats to academic freedom and institutional independence. Faculty senates and professional organizations have urged colleges to reject the compact outright, calling it an attempt to restrict academic freedom, politicize research, and constrain inquiry. MIT became the first to formally decline, stating that federal funding should be merit-based, not politically conditioned. Following MIT’s rejection, the administration expanded the offer to all colleges and universities nationwide, prompting further backlash.

Brown University soon joined MIT in rejecting the compact, emphasizing the importance of protecting academic integrity and freedom from political interference. The University of Pennsylvania also added its voice, announcing that Penn would also decline to sign. Additionally, the University of Southern California has declined to sign, indicating that over time the Compact would “undermine the same values of free inquiry and academic excellence that the Compact seeks to promote.”

As higher education leaders push back on these ideological initiatives, the administration’s budgetary and personnel decisions have deepened instability across the federal workforce and at the U.S. Department of Education. Nearly 500 Education Department employees were laid off, among an estimated 4,200 individuals, in a new wave of cuts during the ongoing government shutdown — following an earlier round that had already reduced staff by half. The latest layoffs hit hardest in the Offices of Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education, and Civil Rights, leaving some divisions with only a handful of staff. Unions and advocacy groups have filed lawsuits alleging the reductions are unlawful attempts to dismantle the department. Although the Supreme Court allowed the first round of cuts to proceed, a federal judge recently halted the most recent layoffs, calling them “likely illegal.”

The government shutdown has now stretched into its third week, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay and disrupting core services nationwide. Education programs and enforcement activities have been significantly affected, with the department’s capacity to administer grants, enforce civil rights protections, and support students with disabilities severely diminished. The shutdown’s ripple effects are being felt nationwide: food assistance programs like WIC are nearing exhaustion, federal workers are missing paychecks, and key education, housing, and fair housing offices have been gutted. Meanwhile, essential services like air traffic control and the military continue to operate — some without pay — as uncertainty deepens across the country.

Amid the federal uncertainty, several state and institutional efforts are moving in the opposite direction — advancing access and equity even as national policies sow disruption. California enacted a new law establishing direct admission to Cal State universities for eligible high school seniors — a policy designed to remove barriers and increase college enrollment among underserved students. In another key development, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and LatinoJustice PRLDEF have been granted permission to intervene in a federal lawsuit to defend the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program, ensuring that the interests of HSIs and their students are represented in court. Their involvement comes as congressional Republicans urge Education Secretary Linda McMahon to restore more than $450 million in funding for HSIs after the department deemed the programs unconstitutional.

Finally, the Education Department has again postponed its semiannual NACIQI meeting, now scheduled for December 16, following months of shutdown-related disruptions. The delay will postpone critical accreditation reviews and new appointments, raising concerns about an expanding backlog and further uncertainty in federal oversight.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC joined national coalitions in two major advocacy efforts to safeguard students and uphold sound federal policymaking.

NACAC signed a letter with 35 organizations urging the Education Department to pause and revise its proposed Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) to IPEDS. The coalition, led by the Postsecondary Data Collaborative, warned that the proposal’s scope, speed, and lack of vetting would compromise data quality and impose excessive reporting burdens on institutions. The letter recommends narrowing the initial rollout to undergraduate data, delaying retrospective and graduate data collection, and reinstating technical assistance and staffing at NCES to preserve the integrity of federal education data.

NACAC also joined a broad alliance of disability, civil rights, and education organizations in condemning the Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs at the Education Department. The reductions have severely weakened key offices — Special Education Programs, Civil Rights, and Elementary and Secondary Education — undermining enforcement of IDEA, Section 504, and other laws that safeguard the rights of students with disabilities. As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA, the coalition is urging the administration and Congress to restore staffing and transparency, emphasizing that protecting students with disabilities remains both a legal and moral obligation.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As NACAC and our partners continue to engage on these urgent issues, it’s clear that our collective voice can make a difference in safeguarding students and advancing equitable access to education. As Paulo Coelho reminds us, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

Our advocacy work is a testament to that principle — by taking action to protect students, support college access, and defend equity, we are helping shape a stronger, more just education system for all.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to the newest issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. This week, the landscape of higher education policy continues to shift rapidly, with significant developments affecting students, institutions, and educators alike. From legal challenges to federal policies that threaten access and equity, to new proposals shaping data reporting, student visas, and academic freedom, the issues are both complex and consequential. NACAC is actively monitoring these developments, elevating member concerns, and advocating for policies that protect opportunities for all students while supporting the integrity and autonomy of colleges and universities. Our work underscores the critical importance of staying engaged, informed, and proactive in shaping the education system and pathways that serves all learners.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) has filed two lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Education over the denial and discontinuation of more than 100 TRIO grants — one of the largest disruptions in the program’s history. COE contends that the department retroactively applied new anti-DEI policies without following required rulemaking processes, cutting off vital services for roughly 40,000 low-income, first-generation students, veterans, and adult learners. Representing colleges and agencies that operate TRIO programs, COE says the litigation aims to restore due process and preserve educational opportunity for students nationwide.

The controversy surrounding the Education Department has continued to grow amid reports that furloughed employees’ out-of-office email messages were replaced with partisan language blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Career staff have raised Hatch Act concerns, arguing the edits may amount to coerced political speech. The Hatch Act is a 1939 law designed to keep federal programs nonpartisan and protect civil servants from political coercion. Under the Act, nearly all executive branch employees, including those on furlough, are prohibited from engaging in political activity in their official capacity. The American Federation of Government Employees has since filed suit, alleging violations of federal employees’ First Amendment rights and deepening scrutiny of political interference within the agency. House Education Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott is also calling for a hearing, arguing the move is an “apparent violation of the Hatch Act” and other federal laws, calling it “incredibly egregious.”

Meanwhile, the shutdown itself shows no sign of resolution. After the Senate has failed to pass a measure to reopen the government, the White House warned that “reduction-in-force” notices could soon be issued across federal agencies — an unprecedented step during a funding lapse. The administration has also deleted references to the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, raising fears that furloughed employees may be denied backpay. The prolonged stalemate has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers in limbo and further strained agencies responsible for administering student aid and civil rights enforcement.

Amid these disruptions, the Senate confirmed Kimberly Richey to lead the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights in a narrow 51–47 vote along party lines. Richey inherits an office facing a backlog of more than 12,000 cases and operating with half its former workforce. Her confirmation raises questions about whether OCR will have the capacity and support needed to meet its mandate during the shutdown and beyond.

In other developments, higher education groups are closely watching several key policy and legal battles. A federal court upheld the Biden administration’s gainful employment rule, rejecting a challenge from for-profit colleges. The decision reinforces the effort to hold career programs accountable for student outcomes and ensure graduates can repay their loans and earn more than high school graduates. At the same time, the department has resumed loan forgiveness under the Income-Based Repayment plan for long-term borrowers, following months of delay and legal pressure.

The Trump administration is exploring the sale of portions of the federal government’s $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to private investors — a move that could upend borrower protections and reshape the federal role in student lending. Critics warn that such a sale could harm borrowers and shortchange taxpayers, while supporters frame it as a step toward reducing federal liabilities and administrative costs.

International education also remains in the spotlight, as the Department of Homeland Security faces widespread opposition to its proposal limiting foreign student visas to four years. Colleges, faculty, and industry leaders argue that the change would disrupt degree completion, deter global talent, and impose unnecessary administrative burdens.

A growing flashpoint for higher education institutions is the Trump administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence,” which has drawn strong condemnation across the sector for what many view as an unprecedented intrusion into institutional governance and academic freedom. The compact would condition access to federal funding — including student aid and research grants — on compliance with a set of ideological directives related to curriculum, speech, and campus policy. Among its provisions are requirements to align institutional policies with the administration’s redefinition of sex and gender, limits on international student enrollment, and mandates for standardized testing in admission.

The Association of American Colleges & Universities, the American Council on Education, and dozens of other higher education organizations have denounced the proposal as coercive, politically motivated, and fundamentally at odds with the long-standing principle of institutional independence. Faculty groups warn that it would open the door for the federal government to dictate academic content and personnel decisions, eroding the core values of inquiry and free expression that underpin higher education. Institutions from across the ideological spectrum have signaled they will not sign the compact, calling it a “test of allegiance” that would compromise academic integrity in exchange for funding. The move has united many in higher education around a shared message: that federal support must not be used as leverage to enforce political conformity or suppress diversity of thought. With the October 20 feedback deadline approaching, colleges are preparing formal responses and considering potential legal challenges to safeguard their autonomy.

In the broader economic context, colleges and universities continue to face financial pressure. September saw another round of job cuts and program reductions across campuses nationwide, including at well-endowed institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, Brown, and Yale. Leaders cite declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and uncertainty around federal funding as key drivers.

New data from Inside Higher Ed’s Student Voice survey underscores how many students face financial uncertainty. The responses show that fewer than one in three students fully understand their total cost of attendance, and many say even a modest unexpected expense could derail their enrollment. The findings point to a need for clearer cost transparency, better access to emergency aid, and stronger institutional support to promote student persistence.

In a constructive development for advocacy efforts, the American Council on Education has launched a new interactive tool highlighting the economic impact of higher education across states and congressional districts. The platform visualizes how colleges drive workforce development, innovation, and local prosperity — information that can bolster advocacy efforts by illustrating the essential role of higher education in national and regional economies.

States continue to advance their own efforts to expand college access. Connecticut recently launched the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program, which guarantees admission for eligible students with strong GPAs to 10 participating public and private colleges. By removing application fees, essays, and recommendation requirements, the initiative aims to simplify the admission process and increase college participation among the state’s high school graduates.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC raised significant concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) revision to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). In formal comments submitted to the department — developed with input from NACAC members — NACAC emphasized that while the association supports greater transparency in college admission, the proposal’s scope and pace would place an unreasonable reporting burden on institutions and risk misrepresenting the admission process.

The proposed rule would require colleges to report detailed applicant-level data, including race, GPA, and test scores over multiple years, within a compressed timeline. NACAC cautioned that many institutions lack the capacity to collect such granular data retroactively and warned that publishing this information without context could distort public understanding of admission practices, particularly at institutions serving diverse or under resourced populations.

In addition to its individual comments, NACAC joined the American Council on Education and other higher education associations in a coalition letter urging the department to delay implementation and engage stakeholders in a more deliberate review process. The letter highlights the potential for confusion, privacy risks, and data misuse under the proposed requirements, which would add more than 100 new data elements and mandate five years of retroactive reporting. Together, the associations called on the department to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and meaningful transparency that supports students and institutions alike.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As NACAC members, your voice, expertise, and commitment are central to protecting access, equity, and opportunity in education. In the face of policy challenges, legal battles, and uncertainty, coming together as a community allows us to amplify our impact and advocate effectively for students and institutions alike. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Your engagement, whether through advocacy, coalition-building, or sharing your experiences, ensures that our collective efforts continue to make a difference for students across the nation.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to the latest Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. This week has underscored the difficult and uncertain moment we face in education policy. With the federal government now in a shutdown, critical services are paused, new threats to civil rights enforcement are emerging, and funding streams remain unstable. The weight of these disruptions is being felt directly by students, families, educators, and institutions. In the midst of these challenges, NACAC remains committed to empowering admission counseling professionals and advancing policies that ensure the transformative power of postsecondary education is accessible to all.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The federal government officially shut down on Oct. 1, creating immediate uncertainty for higher education, K–12 schools, and students nationwide. While student aid programs like Pell Grants and federal loans will continue, nearly all Department of Education staff have been furloughed. This pause affects financial aid support, civil rights enforcement, regulatory actions, and research funding, with new grants and peer review panels on hold. A prolonged shutdown could leave colleges navigating compliance gaps, stalled innovation, and financial uncertainty, while federal employees and families feel the immediate impact. You can read more about the impact of the government shutdown on education and college access in a previous post, Looming Government Shutdown Threatens Access and Stability.

The shutdown compounds existing risks in federal student aid. The Congressional Research Service has warned of a looming “default cliff” this fall, as millions of federal student loans face default with the expiration of COVID-19 relief measures. Over 4 million borrowers were already more than 180 days delinquent as of June 2025, and these numbers could nearly double, putting additional strain on borrowers, the Department of Education, and colleges’ federal aid eligibility.

The Trump administration is also taking an aggressive approach in how it uses the shutdown. By freezing more than $26 billion in previously approved funds — including climate and infrastructure projects in Democratic-led states — the White House is using the fiscal standoff to punish political opponents. At the same time, federal workers face furloughs or are required to work without pay, deepening the risks of a prolonged shutdown and amplifying disruption across sectors.

Civil rights enforcement is facing new strain as well. The First Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the Department of Education to move forward with layoffs that will cut nearly half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights. The ruling, which followed a July Supreme Court decision allowing broader reductions at the department, comes at a time of rising caseloads. Advocates warn these cuts will severely limit OCR’s capacity to protect students experiencing discrimination and harassment, leaving schools with fewer avenues for accountability.

At the K–12 level, the Trump administration has cut nearly $9 million in expected Fostering Diverse Schools funding just weeks into the school year. Districts in Anchorage (AK), East Baton Rouge (LA), Miami-Dade, New York City, and Los Angeles relied on these grants to support racial and socioeconomic integration, and advocates warn that the termination accelerates trends toward resegregation.

The administration has also narrowed two school mental health grant programs, Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant program and School-Based Mental Health Services grant program. The relaunched programs direct $270 million solely to school psychologists while excluding counselors, social workers, and colleges from applying — a shift away from earlier efforts to build a diverse pipeline of school-based mental health professionals.

In higher education, disparities in federal support remain a major concern. A new report from the Center for American Progress and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund shows that HBCUs received less than 1 percent of federal research and development funding in fiscal year 2023, despite representing 3.2 percent of four-year institutions and producing nearly 18 percent of Black STEM graduates. The report urges Congress and the administration to set benchmarks, expand capacity-building investments, and ensure equitable access to federal research opportunities.

The Trump administration also is using funding decisions to exert political influence. Universities face new pressures through the “Compact for Academic Excellence,” which ties federal research funding to alignment with federal priorities on tuition, admission, and governance. Harvard faces potential suspension or debarment over alleged Title VI violations, and Kentucky has agreed to end in-state tuition for undocumented students following a Department of Justice lawsuit. Meanwhile, the administration is proposing to link federal research grants to ideological compliance, raising concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Congressional scrutiny of higher education also is increasing. House and Senate antitrust committees are investigating how major enrollment management firms, the College Board, Ellucian, and Oracle use student data to guide tuition pricing and financial aid decisions, reflecting growing concern over opaque pricing practices.

Finally, access to higher student loans remains constrained. The Department of Education is maintaining a narrow definition of “professional programs” eligible for higher borrowing, excluding critical fields such as nursing, education, and mental health. Advisory committees warn this could push students toward private loans and limit the pipeline for essential professions.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC continued to advance its advocacy on behalf of students, college admission counselors, and institutions navigating an increasingly volatile policy environment. On Sept. 30, the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued a landmark ruling in AAUP v. Rubio, a case NACAC joined through a amicus brief led by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. The court struck down the administration’s policy of arresting and deporting noncitizen students and faculty for engaging in protected speech, affirming that noncitizens lawfully present in the United States hold the same First Amendment rights as citizens. The decision reinforces the principle that academic freedom and free expression cannot be curtailed on the basis of immigration status or political viewpoint.

NACAC also joined 53 higher education organizations in opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule to impose fixed time limits on international students and exchange visitors. The proposed restrictions would disrupt degree completion, undermine experiential learning, and delay work authorization for researchers, threatening both U.S. colleges and the $44 billion economic contribution of international students. Together, the organizations urged DHS to withdraw the rule and instead rely on existing systems to address fraud concerns without destabilizing institutions or harming students.

Finally, NACAC joined more than 60 education organizations in calling on Congress to provide stability and transparency in federal higher education funding. Recent delays in FY 2025 allocations have already hindered program implementation and affected students and families. With FY 2026 appropriations approaching, NACAC and its partners urged lawmakers to ensure funds are spent as intended, preventing further disruption and safeguarding access for underserved students.

Through these efforts, NACAC continues to press for policies that protect free expression, preserve access, and uphold stable, equitable funding for education programs.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

These are challenging times for students, educators, and institutions, and the decisions being made at the federal level will have lasting consequences. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that protect access, equity, and opportunity in education. As Jamil Zaki writes in Hope for Cynics, “It actually is hope — the sense that things could improve in the future — mixed with fury, that inspires people to fight for progress, even when victory seems well out of reach.”

Even in moments of uncertainty, our collective efforts and advocacy ensure that students’ futures remain a priority.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

The federal government is at risk of a shutdown. If lawmakers cannot reach an agreement today on a Continuing Resolution to fund the government, federal operations will shut down at midnight.

For students, families, and colleges, the consequences are tangible. Here’s what to expect.

U.S. Department of Education Contingency Plan

The Department of Education has released a contingency plan, detailing how it would maintain critical operations while furloughing most staff. During the first week, roughly 95 percent of employees — about 2,117 of 2,447 — would be furloughed, leaving approximately 112 essential personnel to protect life and property or continue legally required functions.

What Will Continue
These activities are largely funded through mandatory or advance appropriations and are legally required to continue:

• Student Aid Disbursement: Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans will continue to be distributed.
• Student Loan Servicing: Borrowers can continue making payments; contract staff servicing loans will remain active.
• Grant Funding: Title I and IDEA grants already awarded will be accessible to states, schools, and grantees.
• FAFSA Processing: Key operations to support student financial aid applications will continue.
• Rulemaking for Statutory Requirements: Certain Office of Federal Student Aid rulemaking tied to law will proceed.
• Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Programs: Mental health initiatives funded under this law will continue to operate.

What Will Cease
Many discretionary and administrative functions would be temporarily paused:

• New Grantmaking: The department will halt awarding new grants.
• Civil Rights Investigations: Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reviews and investigations will pause.
• Guidance and Regulatory Actions: Development and implementation of guidance, technical assistance, and regulations will be delayed.
• Contracting: The department will not issue new contracts during a shutdown, except those tied to “expected activities.” These are legally required functions that must continue, such as those authorized by law, necessary to keep already-funded work moving forward, needed to protect life or property, or tied to the President’s constitutional duties. Even for these contracts, payments may be delayed.

Even brief disruptions can create cascading challenges, slowing program implementation and creating uncertainty for students planning their college education. The department’s plan emphasizes rapid shutdown procedures, including furlough notices, securing federal property, and notifying grantees and contractors. While staff would return immediately once funding is restored, the impact of paused discretionary work could ripple across the education system, particularly for underserved communities.

A government shutdown is a tangible threat to students, colleges, and the broader goal of equitable access to higher education. Ensuring Congress reaches a funding agreement is essential to protect students’ opportunities, financial security, and pathways to college and career success.

NACAC’s Ongoing Monitoring and Updates

NACAC is closely tracking developments related to the looming government shutdown and the Department of Education’s operations. We are committed to keeping members informed as new information becomes available, including changes to student aid, grant funding, and other critical education programs. As the situation evolves, NACAC will provide timely insights and guidance to help colleges, high schools, and students navigate any disruptions. NACAC members can also take action and make their voices heard through NACAC’s Advocacy in Action page, which provides resources and opportunities to engage with lawmakers on issues that affect education access.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to the latest Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. Thank you to all our members who joined us last week in Columbus, Ohio for the NACAC Conference 2025 — it was inspiring to connect in person and discuss the pressing issues facing the college admission counseling community. At the conference, we also launched NACAC’s new Advocacy Toolkit, designed to provide members with practical resources to engage policymakers, communicate the value of college access programs, and protect students’ opportunities. In Washington, D.C., a potential government shutdown looms if Congress cannot reach agreement on a Continuing Resolution by Oct. 1, creating uncertainty for education funding and federal programs. NACAC remains committed to ensuring students have equitable access to higher education and that institutions have the resources they need to serve them.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Education Department launched the 2026–27 FAFSA this week, meeting its Oct. 1 target date. Still, a new GAO report warns that future forms remain vulnerable to the same technical breakdowns that plagued last year’s rollout. GAO pointed to weaknesses in contractor oversight, staffing, and testing plans, raising concerns about whether FSA has the accountability measures in place to prevent similar disruptions to aid access.

At the same time, courts and federal agencies are weighing in on policies with far-reaching impact. Judges in Washington and Rhode Island temporarily blocked a Trump administration directive requiring immigration status verification for programs like Head Start, adult education, and career training, citing evidence of enrollment declines and classroom closures. In another case, a federal judge declined to reinstate more than $1 billion in NSF research grants canceled under the administration’s anti-DEI directive, underscoring the broad scope of its efforts to dismantle equity-related programs in science and innovation. Meanwhile, the administration is also unilaterally canceling hundreds of federal education grants, halting multi-year awards midstream and leaving schools and nonprofits scrambling to fill funding gaps. A separate ruling ordered the administration to restore $500 million in frozen federal grants to UCLA, protecting critical medical research projects. And in the federal workforce, a judge ruled that the administration’s mass firing of probationary employees was illegal, a significant win for civil service protections.

Equity-focused education programs remain especially vulnerable. The administration has frozen $660 million in TRIO funding, leaving hundreds of thousands of first-generation and low-income students in limbo. Colleges and nonprofits approved for grants are instead receiving “no cost extensions,” forcing them to cut staff, shutter programs, or scale back services. McNair Scholars also face uncertainty, with many institutions still waiting on delayed awards amid ongoing lawsuits. At the same time, $350 million has been cut from programs supporting minority-serving institutions, Hispanic-serving schools, and STEM opportunities for students of color, with dollars redirected to charter schools and “patriotic” civics programs. While HBCUs and tribal colleges will see a one-time boost, the cuts pit institutions against one another and divert resources away from public education.

The Education Department has also escalated its political fight with elite universities, placing Harvard University on heightened cash monitoring — an unusual step for a university with a $53 billion endowment. Experts call it a political move that could disrupt aid for low-income students and reflects the administration’s broader attacks on elite institutions.

International students are facing mounting challenges as policy shifts drive enrollment declines. New data show student visa arrivals to the U.S. fell to a four-year low this August — down 19 percent from last year, with the steepest declines from Asia. Backlogs, uncertainty, and new hurdles are chilling interest among prospective students. Trump’s recent proclamation adds to these barriers by imposing a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a sharp increase that could curb hiring of international graduates, further discourage enrollment, and squeeze industries — especially tech and healthcare — that depend on skilled foreign talent. A new Brookings report warns that restrictive visa policies pose not just enrollment risks but broader financial, economic, and global consequences. Smaller private colleges, particularly Christian institutions where international students make up 30 percent or more of enrollment, face the greatest strain. The report underscores that while elite universities may weather declines, many institutions — and the communities around them — could suffer lasting damage if international students increasingly choose other countries over the U.S.

Public pressure has shown it can make a difference. The Department of Energy recently abandoned a proposed Title IX athletics rule that would have rolled back protections for girls in sports after receiving more than 21,000 comments in opposition. Still, broader efforts to weaken equity protections persist — from federal lawsuits challenging state and local teacher loan forgiveness programs designed to diversify the educator workforce, to new federal proposals privileging “patriotic education” over a full and accurate account of U.S. history. The Department of Education has also launched the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, partnering with more than 40 conservative groups to create civics programming framed as “renewing patriotism,” raising questions about federal involvement in curriculum and the exclusion of more comprehensive perspectives.

The looming government shutdown further complicates the landscape. Trump has urged Republicans to move forward without Democrats and has cancelled scheduled meetings with Democratic leadership, even though bipartisan support is required in the Senate. House Republicans unveiled a seven-week stopgap bill, but Democrats quickly countered with their own proposal to extend health care subsidies, restore frozen funding, and increase oversight of federal spending. Neither side has yet secured a deal, and with the Oct. 1 deadline approaching, the Office of Management and Budget is directing agencies to prepare for mass layoffs rather than temporary furloughs if funding lapses. While some programs with advance funding, like Title I and IDEA, should continue, OMB could still block the release of billions in education funding. The uncertainty is especially concerning given that $22 billion in advance FY 2026 funding for Title I, IDEA, Title II, and CTE grants is scheduled for release Oct. 1.

Adding to the political landscape, Democrat Adelita Grijalva won the special election in Arizona’s 7th District, filling the seat previously held by her late father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Her arrival shifts the House balance to 214 Democrats and 219 Republicans, with two vacancies remaining, slightly narrowing the GOP majority as Congress heads toward the Oct. 1 funding deadline.

Meanwhile, student loan borrowers continue to face long delays in accessing promised relief. More than a million income-driven repayment applications remain backlogged, and the PSLF Buyback program is also experiencing long waits. While the Department has made some progress in processing, the American Federation of Teachers is seeking to expand its lawsuit against ED, arguing that these delays unlawfully block borrowers from affordable repayment plans guaranteed under federal law.

On the ground, colleges are navigating both immediate pressures and longer-term structural challenges. A new report from the Hope Center at Temple University highlights the scale of unmet student needs: Eight percent of undergraduates and five percent of graduate students — more than 1.5 million students — experience homelessness, while nearly half face housing insecurity. Food insecurity, lack of technology, and transportation costs compound the crisis, undermining persistence and completion. The National Student Clearinghouse underscores how systemic inequities play out in outcomes, with graduates of high-poverty high schools completing college at less than half the rate of their peers.

Institutions are testing new strategies to signal affordability and build trust with families. Income-based tuition guarantees, now being adopted by a growing number of colleges and universities, are designed to provide clarity up front. Programs like the “W&L Promise” at Washington & Lee and new commitments from Wake Forest, Reed, Emory, MIT, and others aim to cut through sticker-price confusion and demonstrate affordability for low- and middle-income families.

These innovations are emerging against a backdrop of broader public and institutional concern. A new Gallup poll shows public confidence in K-12 education has dropped to a record low, even as parents of K-12 students report relatively high satisfaction with their own children’s schools. Meanwhile, a new ACE survey finds nearly three-quarters of college presidents “extremely concerned” about the federal policy agenda — particularly cuts to research, restrictions on borrowing through OBBBA, and new accountability measures tying institutional outcomes to student earnings.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC took action on several fronts to protect access and support student success. We joined an amicus brief in Commonwealth of Virginia et al. v. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, urging the court to uphold veterans’ access to the full 48 months of GI Bill benefits. The brief highlights the financial and educational impacts of limiting benefits, underscoring the importance of timely support for student veterans and their dependents.

NACAC also joined a coalition calling on the Department of Education to preserve Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The coalition warned that proposed regulatory changes could conflict with congressional intent, jeopardizing relief for over 2.5 million public service borrowers who pursued lower-paying careers in good faith.

Finally, NACAC endorsed the Community and Technical College Investment Act, which would provide federal grants enabling states to offer tuition-free community and technical college programs for students facing financial hardship. The bill also emphasizes alignment with workforce and social services, outcome tracking, and program sustainability, helping students complete credentials and degrees that lead to meaningful careers.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As we continue our advocacy work, it is important to remember that the actions we take today can shape a brighter future for students, families, and institutions — even if we may not see the immediate results. In the words of Nelson Henderson, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” By working together, advocating for equitable policies, and supporting access to higher education, we are planting seeds of opportunity that will benefit generations to come.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to the latest Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. With our annual conference in Columbus, Ohio just days away, we look forward to connecting with members and partners about the issues shaping higher education. In Washington, D.C., budget deadlines and policy shifts continue to place institutions and students under pressure, with Congress still debating how to fund the government beyond the Oct. 1 deadline. NACAC remains focused on ensuring students have equitable access to higher education and institutions have the resources to serve them.

Please note: the next issue of the Advocacy Update will be published on Sept. 26, following the annual conference, and we will be happy to bring you further updates then.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

A government shutdown is looming while Congress weighs a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded past Oct. 1. Republican appropriations leaders have proposed a short-term extension through November, while the administration favors a January extension that would carry funding a third of the way into FY 2026. Democrats have pushed back, noting that passage in the Senate requires 60 votes and therefore bipartisan support. It is unclear if Democrats will approve a “clean” CR, as they want certain priorities included and assurances that enacted funding will not be withheld or rescinded.

Federal funding and policy developments continue to place higher education institutions and students under significant strain. The University of California system recently warned state leaders that federal funding cuts could cost billions and devastate campuses. UC President James B. Milliken highlighted that $500 million has already been frozen at UCLA, warning that continued reductions would force deep cuts to classes, student services, research, and health care, while driving talent out of the state. The stakes are high and immediate, illustrating how federal funding uncertainty directly impacts institutional capacity and student opportunity.

At the federal level, the Department of Education has made several major policy shifts. Most IDEA Part D competitive grants will continue, but $14.8 million has been canceled, redirected to teacher training programs. Some grantees must now certify alignment with the administration’s priorities before receiving awards, and programs referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts were disproportionately affected, signaling a narrowing of federal priorities. Similarly, the department announced discretionary grant programs for minority-serving institutions will be eliminated, impacting Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions. These actions place $350 million in federal support at risk and raise concerns about destabilizing under-resourced campuses, though HBCUs and Tribal Colleges and Universities remain unaffected.

The Department of Education also is expanding its Office of Consumer Education and Ombudsman to provide students and families with guidance on the risks and benefits of borrowing for college. The shift reflects concerns over the $1.7 trillion federal student loan portfolio and high default rates, with new accountability measures also being developed for loan servicers. The department is simultaneously planning to propose new regulations to streamline the termination of federal funding for institutions found in civil rights violations. This comes amid the Trump administration’s aggressive use of civil rights investigations to freeze or pull billions from institutions over diversity efforts, transgender student inclusion, and responses to campus antisemitism.

Other administrative actions include ending the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which recognized more than 9,000 schools for academic achievement and progress in closing achievement gaps since 1982. The department cited a desire to “return education to the states,” though this raises questions about consistency and visibility of recognition at a national level. Additionally, the Trump administration is shifting adult education programs to the Department of Labor under a new state plan portal, raising concerns about weakening career and technical education and reducing federal support for students who depend on these programs.

Institutional and student outcomes continue to be affected by these policy shifts. Transfer outcomes for first-time community college students remain largely stagnant, with only 31.6 percent transferring within six years and fewer than half of those earning a bachelor’s degree. Strategies such as dual enrollment, transferring to public four-year institutions, and completing a credential before transfer improve outcomes and illustrate actionable pathways to strengthen student success. Dual enrollment itself has grown significantly, reaching 2.5 million students in 2022-23. Research shows these students are more likely to apply to and be admitted by selective colleges and secure scholarships, with especially strong benefits for Black and Hispanic students. However, access remains uneven across states, leaving many students without equitable access to these opportunities.

A new analysis from the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) finds that special education disputes are rising sharply, with written state complaints up 22 percent in 2023-24 and nearly double the 10-year average. States are struggling to manage backlogs amid educator shortages and limited capacity, while the Office for Civil Rights operates at reduced staffing levels. Mediation continues to show high success rates, but federal backlogs are forcing states into roles they are not fully equipped to manage.

Student populations with specific needs are also highlighted in recent research. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights the steep barriers young parenting students face, with dropout rates more than 20 points higher than peers. Financial insecurity, lack of child care, and inflexible policies are cited as major barriers. Pilot programs, such as Miami Dade College’s Mission North Star, demonstrate that targeted institutional support can significantly improve retention and completion rates, particularly for students of color and first-generation students.

Data on broader student learning outcomes and institutional impact reflect both pandemic disruptions and longer-term inequities. NAEP results show record-low scores in 12^th grade math and reading, along with widened achievement gaps. While the findings raise concerns about college and career readiness, experts also note that assessments like NAEP may not always receive students’ full attention. Tribal Colleges and Universities continue to demonstrate strong economic and social returns, with graduates contributing billions to the U.S. economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and generating tax revenue at a higher rate than federal investment.

Political and legislative developments are also shaping the higher education landscape. A recent special election in Virginia maintained Democratic control of the 11th District, narrowing the Republican majority in the U.S. House. At the federal level, the House Appropriations Committee advanced a partisan spending bill cutting Title I funding by 26 percent and reducing the Department of Education’s overall budget by 15 percent, while the Senate’s approach remains bipartisan, setting up a contentious budget debate ahead of the Oct. 1 fiscal year deadline. Additionally, a bipartisan coalition of 34 senators is pressing the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to release long-delayed TRIO grants, which serve nearly 870,000 low-income and first-generation students. Delays have forced layoffs and scaled-back services, threatening access to critical advising and support.

Federal research money is set to return to Harvard after a judge ruled the Trump administration’s sweeping funding blockade unlawful. Notices restoring hundreds of grants have begun reaching researchers, though no payments have yet been made. The administration has vowed to appeal, raising the possibility of another disruption.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC continued its advocacy to protect students’ access to higher education and strengthen pathways to completion. NACAC joined the Student Aid Alliance in urging Congress to reject harmful cuts in the FY26 budget, including the proposed elimination of the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and a nearly 40 percent reduction in Federal-Work Study (FWS). These programs — alongside the Pell Grant — are essential tools that help low-income students access and succeed in college while meeting workforce demand for postsecondary credentials.

At the same time, NACAC joined 31 other higher education associations in calling on the State Department to exempt international students on F, J, and M visas from the June 2025 travel ban. International students already undergo extensive vetting and monitoring, and their presence strengthens U.S. academic excellence, fuels economic growth, and supports global engagement. Ensuring these students can continue to study in the United States without added barriers helps protect enrollment, research, and the nation’s commitment to education exchange.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As federal policy and funding debates continue, NACAC remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting student access, supporting institutions, and advancing equity in higher education. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our collective capacity to act.

As the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg reminded us, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

Every advocacy action, every conversation with policymakers, and every effort to amplify student voices moves us closer to a higher education system that serves all students and communities. Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and continue building pathways for student success.

We look forward to advancing this work alongside you in the weeks ahead and sharing further updates in our Sept. 26 issue, following NACAC Conference 2025.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to this week’s issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. Congress has returned from recess, and the House has released its FY26 appropriations bill proposing a 16 percent cut to federal education funding and rescinding $3 billion in already appropriated funds. This stands in sharp contrast to the bipartisan Senate bill that largely maintains current funding levels. If lawmakers cannot pass all 12 appropriations bills, a government shutdown looms unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is approved by Sept. 30. Given that Congress will be in recess for a week in September, a CR appears the most likely outcome. With so much at stake, NACAC remains focused on ensuring that student access, opportunity, and equity stay at the forefront of national discussions.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed ending the long-standing “duration of status” framework for international students, replacing it with a four-year visa cap. This would force students into frequent renewals and paperwork, introducing uncertainty that could discourage enrollment in U.S. institutions. More than one million international students already contribute to our economy and research enterprise. New restrictions risk undermining that pipeline and sending a damaging message abroad. DHS is accepting comments on the proposal until Sept. 29.

Equity gaps remain stark. A study in AERA Open finds that fewer than 6 percent of four-year colleges qualify as “Equity Engines,” enrolling and graduating Pell-eligible students at high rates. Twenty-four states — many with the highest child poverty rates — have none at all. Students who cannot relocate face sharply limited options, while states like California and New York benefit from strong public university systems. Researchers call for targeted investment in “Emerging Equity Engines” to expand opportunity in underserved regions.

States are stepping in where federal protections are under threat. Illinois recently codified the Plyler v. Doe ruling, ensuring undocumented students’ right to a free K–12 education. The Illinois law requires school districts to adopt policies limiting immigration enforcement on school grounds, addressing family fears amid federal crackdowns. With some states challenging Plyler, Illinois’ move offers clarity and consistency for immigrant families.

In Washington, D.C., education funding is again on the chopping block. The House FY26 appropriations bill would cut the Department of Education by $12.4 billion — 16 percent below current funding. The measure slashes Title I by 27 percent, rescinds nearly $3 billion in advance appropriations, eliminates more than a dozen programs including SEOG and teacher grants, and cuts Federal Work Study. It also reduces department staffing by 30 percent, including a 35 percent cut to the Office for Civil Rights. While Pell, TRIO, and GEAR UP are preserved, they are flat funded. Some areas — charter schools, special education, and CTE — see modest increases, but overall, the bill would fund education below 2011 levels. This contrasts sharply with the Senate’s bipartisan bill, which maintains near-level funding. With government funding set to expire on Sept. 30, a continuing resolution appears likely.

Fiscal conflicts extend beyond education. The Trump administration has sought to withhold $4.9 billion in previously approved foreign aid through a “pocket rescission,” drawing bipartisan criticism as a violation of Congress’s constitutional spending authority. Meanwhile, lawsuits over the administration’s freeze of more than $6 billion in K–12 grants have been dismissed after the Education Department  committed to releasing funds by Oct. 3, ending months of disruption.

Additionally, the Education Department has confirmed that the 2026–27 FAFSA will launch on Oct. 1, restoring predictability after recent delays. The Oct. 1 certification fulfills requirements of the FAFSA Deadline Act of 2024, which codified what had long been the expected release date in response to prior administrative challenges. For millions of students and families, an on-time FAFSA is critical to planning for enrollment and financial aid.

Immigration enforcement continues to fuel trauma and barriers from K–12 to college. Increased activity and state rollbacks of tuition equity are pushing students without legal status to withdraw, delay, or shift to online programs. The Department of Justice has also sued Illinois over its policy granting in-state tuition to undocumented students, though state leaders have defended it as consistent with federal law.

Courts are playing a key role in checking politically motivated actions. A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard University, ruling it unconstitutional and ideologically driven. The decision aligns with arguments made in an amicus brief filed by ACE on behalf of 28 higher education associations — including NACAC — and underscores the dangers of politicizing funding in ways that threaten research and institutional autonomy.

Finally, a new report from Trellis Strategies highlights the challenges facing student parents, who make up nearly one in five college students. They are more likely to work full time, struggle with basic needs, and face heightened risks of stopping out. With federal childcare supports such as CCAMPIS at risk, institutions must step up with services and strategies that help student parents persist and complete their degrees.

NACAC Advocacy 

This week, NACAC advanced its advocacy on multiple fronts as federal policy debates intensified. We joined 40 higher education associations in urging the Department of Education to ensure a clear, stable implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). With millions of students and families depending on new loan limits, repayment plans, and earnings data, the coalition called for updated systems, adequate staffing, transparent communication, and full representation of financial aid administrators and diverse institutions in the upcoming negotiated rulemaking. We emphasized that thoughtful planning and resources are essential to avoid disruption in access to aid and student borrowing.

NACAC also applauded a federal court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard University. The court found the freeze unconstitutional and politically motivated, underscoring the importance of protecting academic freedom and free speech. NACAC joined 28 higher education associations in submitting an amicus brief earlier this year, urging the administration to end such politically driven attacks. The decision affirms the vital role of higher education in research and innovation and rejects attempts to weaponize federal funding against institutions.

Finally, NACAC voiced opposition to the House FY26 appropriations bill, which proposes a 16 percent cut to the Department of Education, including steep reductions to Title I, student aid, and institutional support programs. The bill also eliminates or freezes key higher education initiatives and reduces staffing across the department, including the Office for Civil Rights. By contrast, the Senate’s bipartisan bill protects funding near current levels. NACAC continues to call on Congress to reject these harmful cuts, preserve critical programs, and act responsibly to keep the government funded.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

Even in the face of uncertainty, our collective advocacy continues to make a difference — in the courts, in Congress, and in communities across the country. Progress is not always immediate, but steady, persistent action shapes the path forward.

As the writer H. Jackson Brown Jr. reminds us: “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins — not through strength, but through perseverance.”

Thank you for the perseverance you bring to supporting students every day. NACAC will continue to keep you informed and amplify your voices as these debates unfold in the weeks ahead.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to another issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. As we head into the holiday weekend and the start of a new academic year, I want to pause and recognize the extraordinary work you do every day to support students. These first weeks of the school year bring renewed energy, but they also highlight the challenges and uncertainties that shape our profession. With only weeks until the government faces another potential shutdown, we are watching closely as Congress prepares to return next week. The stakes are high, and the policies under consideration will have a direct impact on college access, affordability, and the work of counselors across the country. NACAC is committed to keeping you informed, elevating your voices, and ensuring that the needs of students remain at the center of the national conversation.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Supreme Court recently issued a 5-4 ruling allowing the Trump administration to stand by its decision to cut nearly $800 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, many of which supported research on diversity, equity, inclusion, gender identity, and COVID. While researchers and public health advocates view the decision as a major setback, the court did leave in place a lower court ruling that found NIH directives unlawful, preventing additional grant terminations under those rules. Researchers now must seek relief through the Court of Federal Claims rather than federal district courts, adding layers of complexity and delay for programs already facing disruption.

Meanwhile, the University of Missouri canceled a long-standing back-to-school block party organized by its Black student group, citing concerns that the event name suggested “unlawful discrimination.” This action is part of a broader national trend, where institutions under pressure from the Trump administration are scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, cultural events, and programs supporting students of color. Students and advocates warn that these decisions erase critical spaces for belonging and support, risking student success and retention at a time when reports of campus racism are rising.

Financial pressures are also shaping admission decisions. With declining international enrollment, universities including Stanford, Duke, Harvard, and Rice are making unusually late offers to wait-listed students, often accompanied by financial incentives, mere weeks before classes begin. Foreign enrollment is projected to drop by as much as 30 percent this fall, and these late admissions highlight the instability created by restrictive federal immigration and higher education policies. Institutions are trying to fill revenue gaps and stabilize budgets, but the scramble underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the U.S. higher education system.

The Trump administration is refusing to defend a federal program that provides $350 million in grants to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). This refusal signals an intent to dismantle federal aid tied to student demographics, putting at risk programs that support Predominantly Black Institutions, and Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions. While Congress legally established these designations, the court case could determine the future of essential funding for colleges serving large populations of minority students. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has filed to intervene and defend HSIs, which supports campuses where at least 25 percent of students are Hispanic.

Undocumented students are facing sudden tuition hikes and uncertain futures, particularly in Texas, where longstanding in-state tuition policies were abandoned under pressure from the Justice Department. Within hours of a federal judge’s ruling, students were shut out of the process, leaving colleges scrambling just days before classes began. Similar lawsuits are now underway in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Minnesota, aiming to restrict tuition access for undocumented students nationwide. Advocates warn that these actions will derail educational trajectories, harm state economies, and create chaos for campus staff charged with determining legal residency for tuition purposes.

Student aid processes are also under stress. A group of Democratic senators are pressing Education Secretary McMahon to reverse changes that make it harder for students and borrowers to file financial aid complaints, accusing the department of burying and complicating the process. Nearly 289,000 complaints were filed in 2024, and lawmakers are urging the department to streamline procedures and restore staffing to ensure students receive timely support. Compounding these challenges, new identity verification requirements flagged an additional 300,000 students for review this summer, adding to an existing backlog of 125,000. Financial aid officers worry that manual processes may delay or block aid for eligible students at a critical time, especially for low-income populations.

Programs that directly support underserved students are also at risk. The administration has already revoked over $13 million in TRIO funding, cutting essential support for low-income and first-generation college students. GEAR UP programs serving more than 250,000 students nationwide remain in limbo, waiting on continuation awards. Without Congressional intervention before Oct. 1, staff layoffs, program shutdowns, and lost opportunities for students and families with disabilities are imminent. These programs are vital pipelines for higher education access, and their disruption threatens decades of progress for students who rely on these supports.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is offering a glimmer of hope for borrowers, as a wave of “golden letters” signals relief is still possible. Yet, major challenges remain, including backlogs of more than 72,000 buyback applications, miscounted payments, and new regulations that could restrict forgiveness for entire groups of public service employees. While some borrowers are seeing progress, millions still face uncertainty about the program’s future.

States are also preparing to implement Workforce Pell following its passage in One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), but a new report indicates significant variation in capacity to track short-term, noncredit programs. States must strengthen data systems, align programs with credit pathways, and address gaps in labor market outcome tracking to ensure students can access these funds when they become available next year.

Finally, the administration’s approach to international students is creating additional uncertainty. While Trump recently praised Chinese students and promised to welcome 600,000 to U.S. campuses, restrictive visa policies and heightened scrutiny are already forcing many students to defer enrollment or shift to online programs. NAFSA estimates international enrollment could drop by up to 40 percent this year, with consequences for teaching, research, and local economies. Colleges are attempting to provide flexibility, but systemic instability continues to threaten the U.S.’s position as a destination for global talent.

Across the development, the Trump administration’s policies are reshaping access to higher education, financial aid, and federal research support, disproportionately affecting students of color, low-income students, undocumented students, and international students. These actions, from grant cancellations to visa delays, create urgent challenges for institutions, educators, and policymakers who are committed to equitable access, student success, and the nation’s role as a global education leader.

NACAC Advocacy 

NACAC remains a steadfast advocate for our members, working to ensure that federal policies support students and the counseling profession. As Congress prepares to return next week, our team is actively monitoring newly proposed rules from the administration and coordinating with partners to develop a strong, collective response. These proposals could significantly affect college access, affordability, and student success.

Our advocacy efforts are also central to NACAC Conference 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. The conference will provide numerous opportunities to stay informed and engaged. I will also be presenting at conference to share insights on legislation, funding initiatives, and regulatory changes that impact college access and affordability. These updates will equip you with actionable insights to advocate effectively both on your campus and in your community.

Through these efforts, NACAC is committed to providing you with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to navigate a rapidly changing policy landscape. Together, we can shape policies that expand opportunity, safeguard access, and reinforce the vital role of counselors in higher education.

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Save TRIO and Support College Access
• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As we move into September and face both new challenges and opportunities, I am reminded of the words of civil rights leader John Lewis: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, you just have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”

Let us carry that resolve into our advocacy and into our daily work with students, knowing that together, we can dismantle barriers and create meaningful pathways to opportunity.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Thank you for joining us again for the third issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. While Congress remains in recess until Sept. 2, lawmakers face a narrow four-week window to reach an agreement and avoid a potential government shutdown when they return to Washington, D.C. In the meantime, much of the action has shifted to the executive branch and the courts. Over the past week, the Trump administration has advanced a series of proposed rules that carry significant implications for college access and affordability. Meanwhile, federal courts have begun weighing in on key issues, stepping in to check instances of executive overreach and addressing new complexity to an already shifting environment for students, families, and institutions.

Policy & Legislative Updates 

A federal judge in Maryland has struck down the Trump administration’s and certification mandate that sought to ban race-conscious practices across education. Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Trump appointee, ruled that the Education Department bypassed federal procedures and infringed on constitutional rights, creating a “sea change” that chilled lawful speech in classrooms. The ruling forces the department to reverse course, adding to earlier injunctions that had already blocked enforcement. While the department expressed disappointment, it emphasized a continued commitment to enforcing Title VI protections.

At the same time, state and federal anti-DEI actions are forcing campuses to shutter cultural and multicultural centers, spaces that are essential for student belonging and success. At least 12 institutions across six states have closed their centers this year, with Ohio’s new DEI ban accounting for nearly half of those closures. Students and faculty warn the rollbacks will leave first-generation and marginalized students without essential community and support.

Another proposal from the Education Department would exclude transgender and nonbinary students from the Civil Rights Data Collection for upcoming school years. The change would also strike gender identity from the definition of rape and sexual assault, narrowing the scope of protections at a time when advocates argue accurate data is critical to investigating discrimination. Public comments are open until Sept. 8.

The administration also is advancing new admission reporting requirements that could undermine access for first-generation and low-income students. Four-year institutions would be required to submit applicant-level data on race, sex, GPA, test scores, income, and Pell eligibility. While framed as a measure to expose “race-based preferencing,” experts warn it could pressure colleges to lean more heavily on test scores and GPAs, disadvantaging students from less affluent backgrounds. , this approach risks shutting out students whose potential is not captured by test scores, particularly those who are rural, low-income, or first-generation.

Affordability continues to drive student trust in higher education. A new Student Voice survey shows that while two-thirds of students trust their institutions, more than a third report declining confidence in higher education overall, underscoring the urgent need for affordability and student-centered support.

International enrollment also faces headwinds. A recent survey shows that while 91 percent of prospective students still plan to study in the U.S. and 99 percent trust the quality of American institutions, visa delays and shifting policies are creating barriers. Proposals to limit student visas to two or four years, combined with heightened scrutiny and the end of interview waivers, threaten to discourage students from enrolling. Advocates warn regional and community colleges could be most at risk.

Even with Congress in recess, the administration is advancing proposals that could significantly reshape access and opportunity. One proposal would narrow eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness by tying forgiveness not only to an individual’s work, but also to whether their employer’s policies align with the president’s agenda. Borrowers working at organizations that offer gender-affirming care, provide sanctuary protections, or maintain DEI programs could lose access to loan relief — a shift critics describe as government overreach that undermines free speech and deters graduates from public service.

Disability advocates are also sounding alarms as the Education Department prepares to cancel hundreds of IDEA Part D grants, which fund technical assistance centers, parent resource networks, and special educator training. Many of these grants are mid-cycle but appear to have been flagged by AI scans for DEI-related language, raising concerns that crucial support for students with disabilities may soon disappear.

Federal courts have stepped in on multiple fronts to limit the administration’s actions. A judge recently blocked efforts to eliminate funding for congressionally mandated education research programs, affirming that the Education Department cannot ignore appropriations for initiatives like Comprehensive Centers and Regional Educational Laboratories. Another court ordered the phased rehiring of hundreds of staff in the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, acknowledging the strain the department faces in handling discrimination complaints with a diminished workforce. The return of hundreds of employees will begin in September, with full reinstatement expected by November. In both cases, the courts reinforced Congress’s role in setting education priorities and ensured students continue to receive legally mandated protections and services.

Meanwhile, financial aid administrators are warning that recent staff cuts at Federal Student Aid are having direct impacts on students. A NASFAA survey shows disruptions in processing, communication, and responsiveness are worsening, with 72 percent of institutions now reporting student-facing problems — up sharply from 59 percent in May. Combined with new loan caps and repayment changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these staffing shortages risk leaving students vulnerable to aid delays that could derail enrollment and persistence.

Congress is also demanding answers. are pressing Education Secretary McMahon for freezing forgiveness under Income-Based Repayment, citing a court order. Lawmakers argue the move was unnecessary, poorly communicated, and threatens long-term borrowers who risk losing out on relief before a key tax exemption expires. With more than 2 million borrowers enrolled in IBR, they are urging the department to restore forgiveness quickly.

Finally, the Education Department has rescinded longstanding guidance protecting English learners’ right to equal access. A 2015 Dear Colleague Letter had offered direction on identification, assessment, and support, as well as preserving heritage languages. Its removal follows the earlier closure of the Office of English Language Acquisition, further limiting federal support for EL students at a time when their numbers are growing nationwide.

NACAC Advocacy 

NACAC continues to be a strong voice for our members in federal policy discussions that directly affect students and the counseling profession. Our team is actively monitoring newly proposed rules from the administration and working closely with our partners to coordinate a collective response. These rules have significant implications for college access and affordability, and we are preparing opportunities for our members to make their voices heard through the public comment process. In the coming weeks, we will share guidance on how you can elevate your perspectives and help shape the policies that impact your work and your students’ futures.

At the same time, our advocacy efforts are extending into preparation for NACAC Conference 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, where federal action updates will be front and center. Nearly 140 education sessions are scheduled, covering a wide range of topics relevant to your daily practice and long-term professional growth. Alongside these sessions, attendees will have the chance to engage in the Access College Fair, Counselors’ College Fair, main stage presentations, and valuable networking events. Throughout the conference, our team will provide updates on current legislation, funding initiatives, and regulatory changes, ensuring that members have the latest information to guide their advocacy and professional decisions.

Whether through collective action on policy proposals or conversations at conference, NACAC is committed to equipping members with the tools and knowledge to advocate for students and strengthen the profession. We look forward to sharing more soon on how you can play a key role in these efforts. 

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing policy landscape, one constant remains: our shared belief that access to education is both a right and a powerful force for change. The challenges described above highlight why collective advocacy is so essential, and why your voice as a counselor, educator, and advocate matters in shaping the future of college access and success.

As Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” NACAC will continue to stand with you in ensuring that this truth guides federal policy and practice. Together, we can safeguard opportunity, advance equity, and keep students at the heart of every decision.

By Sean Robins, NACAC’s director of advocacy

Welcome to the second issue of the Advocacy Update on NACAC’s Admitted blog. We remain energized by the positive feedback from our first issue and are excited to continue providing members with timely insights on federal policy, legislative developments, and NACAC’s ongoing advocacy efforts. In a rapidly shifting landscape for higher education, our goal is to equip you with clear, actionable information that reflects both the challenges we face and the steadfast work underway to protect equity, access, and opportunity in college admission counseling. 

Policy & Legislative Updates 

The Trump administration issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Education to require colleges to report racially disaggregated admission data for applicants, admitted students, and enrollees starting in 2025–26. The changes will apply to undergraduate and certain graduate and professional programs. While framed as an effort to improve transparency, the move comes amid heightened scrutiny of race-conscious policies in admission, and NACAC continues to defend the role of holistic review and personal lived experience. The Education Department said the Presidential Memo, published Aug. 15, requires selective four-year colleges to report five years of detailed, racially disaggregated admission data — including GPA, test scores, timing of application, and financial aid status — with a 60-day public comment period to follow. Concerns remain about how the department will handle and analyze this data given staffing cuts at the National Center for Education Statistics. 

The administration has retreated from its threat to strip Harvard of its ability to enroll international students, a move the university called unconstitutional and retaliatory. The Department of Homeland Security said it will not proceed based on the original letter, though legal disputes remain. Separately, the administration is demanding over $1 billion from UCLA to unfreeze $584 million in research funds, as well as broad conditions banning race-based scholarships, gender-affirming care, and overnight protests, among other restrictions. A federal judge has ordered partial restoration of certain National Science Foundation grants to UCLA, ruling that “suspensions” violate an earlier order barring terminations. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to fight the settlement demands, calling them an attack on academic freedom. 

In other legal developments, the Trump administration has issued an executive order requiring political appointees to review all federal grant opportunities before publication, pausing new announcements and banning funding for projects tied to racial equity, gender identity, immigration, and other so-called “anti-American values.” Courts have previously blocked similar efforts, but the new directive intensifies political oversight of research funding. A divided Fourth Circuit panel has also allowed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access sensitive federal records, citing the agency’s IT modernization role. 

A new antitrust lawsuit was filed against 32 selective institutions, the Common Application, Scoir, and the Consortium on Financing Higher Education regarding early-decision admission policies. Plaintiffs allege that sharing names of early-decision admits suppresses competition and limits students’ ability to compare aid offers.  

The administration is also increasing scrutiny of geographic recruitment practices in admission, warning colleges that targeting areas based on racial or ethnic composition could be considered unlawful proxies for race. NACAC has emphasized that geographic outreach is shaped by multiple factors, including serving historic communities and responding to demographic shifts. 

Other notable developments include:  

• The administration’s move to end race-conscious admission at military academies prompted Students for Fair Admissions to withdraw lawsuits against West Point, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.  
• A federal appeals court ruling ordered the White House budget office to restore a public spending timeline website 
• Education Secretary McMahon began a national tour promoting the dismantling of the Department of Education, which would require congressional approval and face legal challenges. 

Meanwhile, advocates warn of escalating federal actions to roll back protections for Dreamers and undocumented students, including revoking ACA coverage, investigating scholarships, and detaining recipients. Institutions are urged to stand firm on lawful programs, prepare protocols for enforcement visits, and affirm equitable access for all students. The Presidents’ Alliance has developed a resource offering strategies to support undocumented students and safeguard opportunities. Finally, a federal judge has again blocked the administration from laying off nearly half of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights staff, though none of the 276 terminated employees have been reinstated. 

NACAC Advocacy 

NACAC is closely monitoring the Trump administration’s new directive requiring colleges to report detailed applicant, admit, and enrollment data — including race, sex, test scores, and GPAs. While we have long supported more disaggregated data to improve transparency, we strongly oppose this administration’s motives, which appear aimed at using the information to undermine diversity in admission. Admission decisions have never been based solely on numbers; holistic review allows colleges to recognize resilience, leadership, and context-based potential that standardized tests — long known to reflect systemic inequities — cannot capture. This policy risks pushing institutions toward less diverse student bodies, particularly harming first-generation and low-income students, while favoring those with greater financial resources.  

In support of our members, NACAC is sharing a new resource from our partner, EducationCounsel. Called Misguidance, the resource analyzes the Department of Justice’s July 29 memo on DEI. The analysis finds that the DOJ guidance misrepresents federal civil rights law and overreaches in ways that could mislead schools about what is legally permissible. While some points in the DOJ memo reflect current law, much of it advances policy preferences that could deter institutions from lawfully addressing barriers, advancing diversity, and ensuring equal opportunity. EducationCounsel emphasizes that inclusive practices, the use of disaggregated data, and race-neutral strategies that support students remain fully lawful. Education leaders should be guided by actual law — not the administration’s anti-DEI stance. 

NACAC will continue advocating for admission policies that value the full breadth of student achievement, reject the false premise that test scores define merit, and protect the ability of colleges to create equitable pathways to higher education for students from all backgrounds. 

Ways You Can Take Action 

We are continuously updating our Take Action page with opportunities to make your voice — and the voices of our members — heard. If you have not already, I encourage you to advocate on the urgent issues below. You can also view all active advocacy campaigns in the yellow column of the Take Action page. 

• Tell Congress: Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars 
• Urge Congress to Protect Postsecondary Pathways 
• Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength \
• Tell Congress to Not Abandon Our National Commitment to Education
• Urge Congress to Protect Disabled Students 
• Don’t Flunk the Future Advocacy Toolkit 

Though the challenges in higher education and equitable access may feel daunting, our work presses on with purpose. Through advocacy, we support students from all backgrounds, helping prepare the next generation of leaders. As Malala Yousafzai reminds us: 

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”  

Her words are a call to action. Every conversation we have, every resource we share, and every engagement with lawmakers strengthens the voices of students and counselors alike. NACAC will continue to be that voice, defend equitable opportunity, and ensure every student has a real chance to reach their potential.