NACAC Advocacy and Policy Updates for April 30, 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.
To ensure NACAC’s advocacy efforts are meeting the needs of members, NACAC launched an Impact of Recent U.S. Federal Actions survey where members are encouraged to share their perspectives on how recent federal actions are impacting their work.
Jump ahead to:
The Trump administration’s first 100 days (April 30, 2025)
In the first 100 days of office, the Trump administration has altered higher education. Funding has been cut, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have been targeted, and academic freedom has been threatened. These actions have left universities struggling to adapt, while pushing the sector into uncharted territory. Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm our national commitment to education and urge Congress to not abandon our future.
House Education and Workforce Committee advances reconciliation plan (April 30, 2025)
House Republicans on the Education and Workforce Committee advanced the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, a sweeping bill that would cap student loans, restrict Pell Grants for part-time students, eliminate borrower protections, and shift loan repayment risk onto colleges. It now heads to the House Budget Committee. In it is a $330 billion cut to federal aid that NACAC fears will push more students into private debt, penalize community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions, and make college less accessible for low-income students. NACAC advocates for creating more opportunity, not new barriers to higher education. Urge Congress to reject cuts to education and to support students.
Lawsuit challenging student deportations can continue (April 30, 2025)
A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s “ideological-deportation policy” to proceed. The case, filed by the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association, argues that the policy violates First Amendment rights by creating a climate of fear on college campuses. The judge affirmed that noncitizens have some free–speech rights. NACAC joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in challenging these actions, filing an amicus brief in the suit to protect students’ rights and hold the government accountable for stripping legal status without due process.
NACAC joins 16 organizations in urging House Education and Workforce Committee to reject reconciliation proposal (April 29, 2025)
On Tuesday, April 29, the House Education and Workforce Committee considered a budget proposal that threatens college access for tens of millions of Americans. NACAC has joined 16 organizations in urging members of the committee to reject this plan, which would slash financial aid, eliminate key protections for students, and make it harder to repay loans, ultimately putting higher education further out of reach for anyone but the wealthy. Rather, Congress should focus on bipartisan solutions that make college more affordable and accessible. Make your voice heard; tell Congress to vote no on this harmful proposal.
U.S. begins restoring international student records amid legal backlash (April 25, 2025)
After weeks of legal pressure, confusion, and more than 100 lawsuits, the Trump administration has reversed its abrupt and unlawful termination of thousands of international student visas and began restoring Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) records. This partial reversal follows widespread judicial intervention across 23 states and is a critical legal win, but experts caution that it offers no guarantee of long-term security for affected students. NACAC joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in challenging the administration’s actions, filing suit to defend due process and protect students’ rights. While many students can now resume their studies and research, the disruption has left lasting damage to immigration status, mental well-being, and institutional trust. As The New York Times writes, “If the nation gains a reputation for being hostile to international students, it could be devastating for many American colleges and universities.” Continued vigilance is essential to ensure that the U.S. remains a welcoming place to learn, grow, and thrive.
New executive orders directed at education (April 24, 2025)
In a sweeping set of executive orders, President Trump renewed his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion and oversight in higher education, targeting accreditation and foreign gifts. The most significant move directs the Education Department to investigate accrediting agencies, tying their recognition to compliance with federal civil rights laws and performance metrics, while framing diversity, equity, and inclusion standards as unlawful discrimination. Trump also pushed to enforce foreign gift disclosures and repositioned his HBCU initiative within the White House, repealing Biden-era equity efforts. NACAC is concerned about these recent executive actions, as accreditors must ensure colleges meet high standards to receive federal aid, not enable predatory, low-quality institutions through weak oversight. Contrary to the administration’s claims, there is no monopoly on accreditation.
A new era of Carnegie classifications (April 24, 2025)
The Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education are shifting the conversation in higher education from prestige to impact. In a new classification system, Carnegie now recognizes 479 institutions as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, defined for their commitment to student access and post-graduation earnings. By measuring institutions against peer and regional benchmarks, the model acknowledges the critical role open-access institutions play in advancing economic mobility. It’s a step toward redefining success in higher education, grounded in equity, not exclusivity. This is a new tool for counselors and students in navigating postsecondary and career pathways.
Over 440 academic leaders condemn Trump’s ‘overreach’ (April 23, 2025)
More than 440 higher education leaders are speaking out against the Trump administration’s escalating overreach — this time in response to its move to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funds to Harvard for refusing politically motivated demands. The joint statement, backed by leaders from institutions large and small, condemns the administration’s threats to academic freedom and institutional autonomy. They emphasize a willingness to engage in constructive reform and accept legitimate oversight but draw a firm line against undue intrusion into the academic decisions and day-to-day operations of colleges and universities.
Department of Education to begin federal student loan collections (April 22, 2025)
After a four-year pause, the U.S. Department of Education will restart collections on defaulted federal student loans beginning May 5. Nearly 10 million borrowers are at risk of default or are already in default, with many having gone years without making payments. According to the department, it’s “stepping in to protect taxpayers and stabilize the loan portfolio”— but critics argue the system is still disorganized and under-resourced. Borrowers are encouraged to explore options like income-driven repayment plans and loan rehabilitation.