The Future of US Higher Education

Introduction

Donald Trump’s re-election as President signals what has the potential to be an unsure and transformative period for higher education in the United States of America. We asked a number of American universities who we know and work with to give their initial thoughts on what Trumps next term of office might mean for US Higher Education. 

 Department of Education and Policy Oversight

 Structural Risks

It is apparent that the potential dismantling of the Department of Education is a central concern across institutions. Roslyn Clark Artis from Benedict College, South Carolina warns that "the campaign to dismantle the regional accreditation system and potentially the DOE, threatens to destabilize the higher education sector and result in increased costs and decreased enrolment." This point was seconded by a Senior International Officer of a large New York City institution, emphasizing that "federal aid to U.S. students is significantly reduced, and international students are turned away or simply turned off by the next administration's policies, this would result in a fundamental change in higher education in the United States at a level well beyond any one institution."

 The Senior International Officer from a large NYC institution cautions that such changes “could be devastating in terms of how federal financial aid for higher education is managed”. This concern is echoed by a Senior Internationalisation Officer at a large Californian public university who notes that “any reduction in the Department of Education's role would have a profound impact on research funding, especially for public universities that rely heavily on these resources”.

 Policy Navigation Challenges

While the President of a liberal arts college in New York state suggests that “policies will be more likely to be friendly although funding will be less”, other administrators express deeper concerns. Robert A. Berwick of Jacksonville University, Florida notes that recent experiences, such as the FAFSA rollout challenges, highlight the vulnerabilities in the system: "We as institutions should anticipate disruption in some form. We have to find ways to ensure students are the centre of what we do and ensure we are working to protect and enhance their learning experiences despite the regulatory environment."

 Research Priorities and Academic Freedom

 Researching Funding Threats

The Californian public university’s Senior Internationalisation Officer also outlines specific concerns about research priorities: "We anticipate a shift in research funding priorities, away from topics related to equity, a more inclusive view of history, structural inequalities, and research that is considered essential to U.S. history or potentially considered contrary to the incoming administration's values. Yet, we think that there will be an increased need for empirically understanding these very topics."

Dr. Jewell Winn, Executive Director of Global Programmes at Tennessee State warns of particular vulnerabilities in STEM fields: "Changes in federal research funding, particularly through grants and public-private partnerships, could disproportionately affect our ability to sustain high-impact research, especially in STEM fields and areas with global relevance. Reduced funding or shifting priorities may hinder our faculty's ability to collaborate internationally, access necessary resources, or maintain cutting-edge research programs."

 Academic Freedom Under Pressure

A Californian R1's Global Partnerships Director presents a stark warning: "Having a leader who says that there is an 'enemies within' list will also by nature deter researchers from addressing topics that are deemed unfavourable by the administration." This concern is amplified by the SIO at a large public university in California who observed that "many institutions may avoid subjects that could draw negative attention from conservative lawmakers and Board members. Some institutions may lose support and funding for research centres that challenge conservative perspectives."

 The Californian Public University’s Senior Internationalization Officer identifies troubling trends: "Free discourse aimed at uncovering historical systemic inequities and amplifying diverse perspectives could be restricted, while simultaneously there may be mandates to include patriotic or even religious education, particularly within public universities. Science education faces unique risks, given the administration's reluctance to acknowledge climate change, which may affect how scientific topics are addressed in educational settings."

 International Education and Global Engagement

 Recruitment and Visa Challenges

Universities express significant concerns about international student recruitment and retention, the Californian Public University Senior Internationalization Officer warns of specific challenges: "To proactively address potential visa denials like those experienced after the 2016 election, we will strengthen our support for students navigating complex visa application processes [...] With possible changes to OPT policies, we think all institutions would benefit from exploring alternatives."

 The Californian R1's Director emphasizes the need for strategic adaptation: "We must anticipate hesitation and fear from some international students and their families and the case for the value and safety of the international student experience in the US must be addressed[...] We will also need to work closely with our immigration colleagues to dot every i and cross every t in anticipation of greater scrutiny in the visa application process."

 Partnership Vulnerabilities

The President of a liberal arts colleges in New York state observe that "international partners may think twice about the USA" reflecting broader concerns across institutions. The Californian Public University Senior Internationalization Officer elaborates: "Budget constraints may lead to cuts in international programs and support, driven by perceived or actual declines in return on investment. Such reductions risk undermining overseas relationships that thrive on long-term commitment, respect, and careful stewardship."

 Dr Winn identifies specific challenges: "Changes in visa policies, heightened scrutiny of foreign funding, or limited mobility could make it more difficult to build and sustain partnerships with institutions in certain regions." An International Admissions Counsellor at a state university in the Mount West Region adds that "If government tensions between countries increase, it will be more difficult to maintain academic partnerships”.

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Under Pressure

 Institutional Challenges

The state university in the Mountain West Region reports immediate impacts: "State legislation related to DEI has already impacted services and practices to ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and other populations. The new reality has forced our university to restructure and reimagine the services we provide and how we administer services without targeting any certain population."

 The Californian R1's Director maintains a resolute stance while acknowledging challenges: "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are more important than ever with an administration that threatens these values. We may shift the terminology of what we do, but we must not waiver on what we do. DEI is increasingly important and if we need to call the work 'Belonging,' or something else, that is what we'll do."

 Strategic Adaptations

The Californian R1’s Director describes their approach: "Our view of DEI goes beyond traditional definitions, expanding to include economic diversity and a focus on social mobility. We may want to stress our workforce development portfolio and impacts as an integral part of our DEI strategy more intentionally [...] We would be well suited to serve as a guide, model, and partner for those seeking similar models that are organic to the university's functions."

 Dr Winn emphasizes ongoing commitment: “TSU remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their background or nationality. We continue to strengthen our equity and inclusion focus through faculty training, workshops, and student-led initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding."

 Looking Ahead: Institutional Resilience and Risk Management

 Strategic Planning

The Mountain West administrator captures the sector's challenges: "The world is volatile and international education is not for the faint of heart. If things become increasingly difficult in key global markets [...] there will no doubt be universities that pull back or get out of the globalization business because of increased risks."

 Dr Winn emphasizes comprehensive planning: "Our strategy includes proactive engagement with relevant stakeholders, including federal agencies, higher education associations, and lawmakers, to advocate for policies that support TSU's international mission. We will enhance our institutional flexibility by diversifying funding sources, strengthening internal policy frameworks, and ensuring our academic programs remain responsive to policy shifts while preserving academic quality and integrity."

 Communication and Advocacy

The Californian public university Senior Internationalization Officer stresses the importance of proactive engagement: "We will need to be more intentional and proactive communicators to both internal and external audiences on what changes we are making and what changes we will not make, both being of equal importance [... ] We all need to muster our advocacy spirit for what lies ahead, internally, and externally."

 Conclusion

The potential changes facing American higher education present significant challenges to institutional autonomy, academic freedom, international engagement, and diversity initiatives. While institutions are developing strategies to maintain their core missions, the scope and scale of potential changes suggest a period of unprecedented adaptation ahead. As the Californian R1's administrator notes, "Day by day. It can be overwhelming to think of all the ways in which the political changes could impact our work and our personal lives over the course of the next administration. We have to lean on each other in these insecure times."

*This analysis incorporates perspectives from leaders at Jacksonville University, Benedict College, a Liberal Arts College in New York, a State University in the Mountain West Region, a large New York City institution, a major California R1 research university, a leading California State University, and Tennessee State University. Some contributors chose to remain anonymous to speak candidly about sensitive political matters. All attributed quotes are included with explicit permission from the sources.*