Title: Sweeping Changes in Higher Ed Admissions and Unpredictable School Funding: What You Need to Know

The most significant headline from the Department of Education this week: Secretary Linda McMahon announced a sweeping new initiative requiring all colleges and universities to report detailed admissions data by race and sex, aiming for full transparency and compliance with federal bans on race-based preferences. According to Secretary McMahon, this step “will not allow institutions to blight the dreams of students by presuming that their skin color matters more than their hard work and accomplishments.” Beginning this fall, higher ed institutions must submit data on applicants, admits, and enrollees, including academic metrics like GPAs and test scores, all subject to new federal audits to ensure accuracy. This move follows President Trump’s March executive order directing the Department to facilitate its own closure and devolve power to states and parents, although Congress would need to approve any actual shutdown. Despite the push, recent polling from The 74 Million finds that two-thirds of Americans oppose abolishing the Department, with many citing its role in protecting vulnerable students and upholding national standards. Meanwhile, schools across the country are emerging from a turbulent summer after a surprise freeze on billions in federal education funds threw district budgets into disarray. The freeze, intended for a “programmatic review,” delayed key grants for teacher training, English language learners, and migrant education. The Department announced in late July that the review has ended and funds are set for release, though districts are still working out exactly when the money will arrive. Delayed funds meant districts put hiring on hold, postponed new programs, and hesitated on intervention plans—forcing school leaders to become more agile and cautious in budget planning moving into the new year. On the regulatory front, the Trump administration has begun using agencies beyond Education—like the Department of Energy—to implement new school rules. For example, policies affecting Title IX and Section 504 protections now apply to schools accepting Energy Department funds, not just those under Education Department authority. This creates a patchwork of regulations with some schools facing different rules depending on which federal funds they take. According to Brown University policy expert Kenneth Wong, this shift “marks a significant change in how the federal government sets education priorities.” For American citizens, these changes mean greater visibility into how colleges are admitting students, but also potential shifts in who gets access and how districts respond to unpredictable funding. Businesses and organizations affected by education grants have faced delays and uncertainty, requiring closer watch over school partnerships and grant cycles. For state and local governments, there’s new responsibility to adapt to federal transparency mandates and changing timelines for program funding. While international relations are This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.