Message From NACE Leadership

NACE Reaction: Executive Order Calls for Department of Education to Be Closed

Dear Colleagues,

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education. While many details remain uncertain, we do know the following:

• The U.S. Congress must approve the department’s closure.
• No single federal department would retain a mission solely dedicated to education.

The stated goal of this decision is to eliminate certain programs, restructure key functions within other departments, and transfer responsibilities to the states. While congressional action is technically needed, the process has already begun, and many steps will be taken in the meantime to work toward this goal.

We recognize the significant implications this could have on postsecondary education and remain committed to monitoring the situation closely. In particular, we are focused on how these changes may affect:

• Student access to and support from federal financial aid programs, including loans, grants, and work-study opportunities.
• Protections for students provided by the Office for Civil Rights.
• Funding for institutions that serve underrepresented communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
• Availability of data and accountability measures that support institutional effectiveness and student success.
• Federal support for workforce development, training programs, and curriculum initiatives that ensure graduates possess critical skills for industry and global competitiveness.

Higher education is a cornerstone of our nation’s success, and the Department of Education has played a vital role in fostering excellence across the postsecondary landscape. Its systems and programs have supported student achievement, institutional accountability, and economic prosperity.

As discussions on the department’s responsibilities and future unfold, we urge policymakers to maintain a strong federal commitment to education. We hope that any reorganization preserves and strengthens the structures that have historically contributed to student success, workforce readiness, and America’s continued leadership on the global stage.

We will keep you informed as new developments emerge and remain engaged in advocating for policies that uphold educational access, quality, and opportunity.

Sincerely,