NACAC Advocacy and Policy Updates for April 16, 2025

NACAC is actively monitoring executive orders that pertain to education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and their potential impacts on the field of college admission counseling. NACAC also is advocating on behalf of its 28,000 members for its policy priorities.

Review previous advocacy and policy updates.

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The next threat to education: Congress’ budget reconciliation (April 16, 2025)    

Budget reconciliation is a legislative process that allows Congress to fast-track legislation related to federal spending, revenue, or the debt limit with simple majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate without being subject to the filibuster. This process bypasses typical bipartisan negotiation, making it easier for legislators to implement sweeping cuts to critical education programs. In the wake of the administration’s decision to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, these actions could deepen inequities in both K-12 and higher education and jeopardize access to the supports many students rely on to access and afford college. Tell Congress not to abandon our national commitment to education. 

Senator Durbin warns educators about predatory institutions (April 15, 2025) 

For the 12th consecutive year, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) is urging school counselors across Illinois — although applicable in all states — to help students make informed decisions about their postsecondary options, especially warning against the risks of for-profit colleges. In a letter, he outlines how these institutions often leave students with high debt, poor job prospects, and no degree. Senator Durbin emphasizes the importance of steering students toward community colleges and nonprofit universities and offers tools like the College Scorecard and Gainful Employment data to help evaluate program outcomes. NACAC annually supports Senator Durbin’s important message.  

NACAC shares resources on college access and affordability (April 14, 2025) 

The National Education Association launched an online tool that shows how much federal funding public schools receive by state and congressional district. It highlights key programs like Title I, special education, school meals, after-school programs, and more. These funds are critical: They lower class sizes, support students with disabilities, feed hungry kids, provide tutoring, and make college and career training more accessible. If Congress slashes this funding, entire programs could disappear, or local governments will be left to cover the gap. Additionally, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities’ annual federal student aid data shows how critical programs like Pell Grants, campus-based aid, and federal loans support students across each state and Congressional district. Using the latest U.S. Department of Education data, the resource highlights the number of awards and total aid dollars going to students at all types of colleges that participate in federal aid programs.  

NACAC supports bicameral letter urging Education Department to rescind Dear Colleague Letter (April 10, 2025) 

NACAC supports a bicameral letter urging the U.S. Department of Education to rescind its Feb. 14 Dear Colleague Letter and its corresponding FAQ published on March 1. The guidance in these documents mischaracterizes federal civil rights law, infringes on state and local authority, interferes with curricular decisions, and threatens to withhold critical federal funding. It falsely portrays social-emotional learning and culturally responsive teaching as discriminatory under Title VI, despite decades of evidence and prior federal precedent supporting their effectiveness. The letter emphasizes that these practices improve academic outcomes and create inclusive, supportive learning environments. NACAC remains committed to advancing educational equity and ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.  

NACAC joins 23 organizations in advocating for stronger student protections in higher education (April 10, 2025) 

NACAC, along with 23 other organizations, submitted a letter to Congress urging for stronger student and taxpayer protections against predatory practices in higher education. The letter highlights concerns about high-cost, low-quality programs, particularly in the for-profit sector, that leave students with crippling debt and low-value degrees. The coalition emphasizes the need to fully implement the 2023 Gainful Employment Rule, ensure borrower defense protections, safeguard student veterans from deceptive recruiting, and uphold the ban on incentive-based recruitment practices. The letter warns against weakening federal oversight and calls for legislative action to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in federal financial aid programs. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote accountability, transparency, and equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education. 

NACAC joins 86 institutions and associations in Presidents’ Alliance amicus brief that challenges visa revocations and detentions (April 10, 2025) 

Representing college admission counseling professionals across the world, NACAC has joined 86 institutions and associations in supporting an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio, a case that challenges the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of noncitizen students and scholars. The brief, filed by The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, urges the court to halt these actions, which threaten academic freedom and global student mobility.   

Tell Congress: International students are essential to America’s safety, economy, and global strength (April 10, 2025)  

The Trump administration’s recent actions targeting international students and scholars undermine U.S. economic growth, weaken our global competitiveness, and drive away top global talent. Abrupt visa restrictions, revocation of student visas, and cancellation of immigration status do not make the U.S. any safer. These policies disrupt a thorough vetting process and create fear and instability, making it harder for international students to thrive. They also threaten the many contributions these students make to our campuses, businesses, and economy. We cannot afford to shut out the next generation of global leaders, innovators, and allies. NACAC urges members to take action by signing the petition from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, calling on Congress to make it a national priority to welcome international students and scholars to study and succeed in the U.S.  

NACAC joins over 50 organizations urging Congress to prioritize students in reconciliation (April 8, 2025) 

NACAC joined more than 50 organizations in signing a letter to Congress urging against higher education cuts that would harm students and borrowers in the budget reconciliation process. As part of a broad coalition, advocates expressed collective opposition to any measures that would reduce access to high-quality post-secondary programs, weaken protections against predatory institutions, or make student loans more expensive by eliminating income-driven repayment plans. Instead of undermining opportunity, Congress must invest in students and institutions to ensure a skilled workforce, economic growth, and financial stability for millions of Americans.  

NACAC advocates for international education (April 3, 2025) 

International students are essential to the vibrancy and success of U.S. education and society. However, recent actions by the Trump administration — revoking student visas and creating uncertainty — threaten their ability to study and engage in academic and cultural exchange in the U.S. With members in 65 countries and a broad network of professionals dedicated to international students support, NACAC call for transparency, fairness, and policies that reinforce the U.S. as a welcoming destination for global talent. Tell Congress to fund and preserve vital international education and exchange programs. 

Committee for Education Funding urges Congress to safeguard federal education investments (April 1, 2025) 

As a coalition partner of the Committee for Education Funding (CEF), NACAC joins over 110 education organizations in urging Congress to reject proposed cuts to federal education investments and student support programs in the fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation. These cuts could increase the cost of postsecondary education, undermine student health services, and add financial strain on already struggling state and local education budgets. Federal funding is vital to the nation’s economic growth and educational opportunities, and further reductions will make it harder for students to succeed. CEF advocates for preserving and strengthening education investments to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.