Washington Update: What Happens Next?

November 12, 2025, marked the end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. What happens next for higher education? In this episode, NACUBO's Liz Clark, vice president, policy and research, and Bryan Dickson, director of student financial services and educational programs, discuss how the shutdown impacted colleges and universities and what changes are on the horizon now that the government has reopened. They discuss the FY26 budget, Workforce Pell, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, federally sponsored research, and more – and what it all means for the campus business office.   Additional Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Read more NACUBO coverage on these topics: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Sponsored Research Liz's Shutdown Story "Many Questions Remain Unanswered Despite End of Shutdown" Check out NACUBO's other podcasts! Career Conversations CBO Speaks