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NACAC, alongside other members of the U.S. for Success Coalition, signed a letter to congressional leadership expressing deep concern over recent immigration actions that threaten the ability of international students and scholars to study and thrive in the United States. The letter underscores the critical role these students play in advancing national security, strengthening the economy, supporting American innovation, and enriching campus communities. The coalition urges Congress to push back against visa revocations, detentions, and bans that send a chilling message to the world. The letter calls for transparent, fair policies that reflect the nation’s longstanding commitment to global engagement and educational opportunity. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that welcome international talent and reinforce the United States’ leadership in higher education.

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.  

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 joined more than 50 organizations in signing a letter to Congress today 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 postsecondary 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.

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.

The Committee for Education Funding (CEF), a coalition of over 110 education organizations, including NACAC, urged Secretary Linda McMahon to oppose the president’s executive order to close the Department of Education and significantly reduce its staff. CEF warns that these actions would undermine the department’s legal responsibilities, including the distribution of essential federal education funding. The letter underscores the department’s critical role in supporting states, upholding civil rights, and directing resources to vulnerable students while clarifying that it does not control curriculum or personnel decisions. CEF also raises concerns about the legality of shifting the department’s programs to other agencies without congressional approval and questions how the federal government would fulfill its education commitments without the department. CEF calls on the administration to abandon these efforts and instead collaborate with Congress to strengthen education policy and funding.

NACAC joined 32 organizations in signing Student Aid Alliance’s letter to key members of Congress advocating for robust funding for federal student aid programs in fiscal year 2026. The letter highlights the bipartisan history of support for these programs, which expands access to higher education and strengthens the workforce. It also underscores the economic and social benefits of investing in federal student aid and calls on Congress to prioritize these vital resources.

NACAC is committed to ensuring that postsecondary education remains accessible to all students and that college admission counseling professionals are well supported in their efforts. The U.S. Department of Education has historically played a vital role in reducing disparities between states and districts, protecting students’ rights, and expanding access to higher education. However, Trump’s executive order, which aims to dismantle the department, threatens the supports and services necessary for all students to thrive in school, their communities, and their future careers. While laws like IDEA and Section 504 remain intact, severe staff cuts, particularly in the Office for Civil Rights, undermine the enforcement of these protections and put disabled students at risk. The American Association of People with Disabilities provides an opportunity to take action to safeguard the department’s role in ensuring educational equity. Read more and take action here.

As a member of the Title IV-A Coalition, NACAC works to advocate for full funding and successful implementation of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. On behalf of the Title IV-A Coalition, we strongly condemn President Trump’s executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. This action threatens critical education programs, including the bipartisan-supported SSAE grants that provide essential resources for student well-being, well-rounded education, and technology access. The Coalition urges the administration to uphold the department’s responsibilities and ensure uninterrupted funding for schools and students.  

As of March 11, 2025, the Trump administration initiated massive reductions in force at the U.S. Department of Education. The administration has made clear that it plans to eliminate the department, an action that NACAC strenuously opposes. NACAC issued a letter to Congress and the administration on March 12 expressing NACAC’s opposition to initiatives that would dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education. NACAC also posted an action alert. Please use it to tell your members of Congress not to abandon our national commitment to education.

NACAC signed a letter urging Congress to protect students from the projected $2.7 billion funding shortfall in the Pell Grant program. Without immediate action, the Pell Grant program faces financial cuts for the first time in over a decade, which would exacerbate affordability challenges and limit access to higher education. Investing in Pell is critical to ensuring students can pursue the education and training needed for their economic mobility. NACAC remains committed to advocating for robust federal student aid and urges Congress to fully fund the Pell Grant program to support student success and access.

NACAC signed a letter urging the Department of Education to rescind the Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter and to engage with the higher education community on compliance obligations under Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and federal civil rights law. The letter has led to confusion on campuses, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which remain legally permissible when implemented in accordance with federal law. NACAC is committed to fostering inclusive educational environments and seeks to work with the department to ensure clear, legally sound guidance that supports institutional compliance and student success.

House Republicans released their fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which funds student aid programs. In it, both Federal Work-Study and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs are cut in half. This cut of over $1 billion dollars would harm more than 2 million low-income students should this bill be signed into law. Moreover, the Pell Grant faces a $2.7 billion shortfall, further threating aid to millions of students. It’s critical that Congress hear your opposition to these cuts that would increase student debt and make it more difficult for low-income students to attend and succeed in college.

The specter of a dismantling or elimination of the Department of Education hangs heavily over the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s confirmation hearings on President Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon. NACAC issued a letter to the HELP Committee expressing its opposition to McMahon’s confirmation as “premature and unwarranted” until and unless order is restored to the administration’s unlawful actions toward the Department, including limitations on First Amendment rights through DEI bans, withholding of funding appropriated by Congress, and elimination of programs and resources required by Congress. Take action now to tell your members of Congress not to dismantle the Department of Education.

NACAC signed onto a letter that urges dialogue between the State Department and higher education community on issues ranging from national security to visa issuance. Given prior, harmful Trump administration policies to international student mobility — a NACAC policy priority — the higher education community seeks to work with the administration on understanding the full ramifications of policies that might similarly affect international students. A recent article in The Journal of College Admission explores how admission leaders can help maintain a pipeline of international students during Trump’s presidency.

At the outset of a new Congress and new presidential administration, NACAC distributed a letter to all members of Congress and the president articulating the association’s vision for strengthening postsecondary access. The letter reflects priorities developed by member committees and approved by the board over the past two decades. NACAC is eager to work with legislators interested in these priorities in 2025 and beyond.

NACAC, as a coalition partner with the Committee for Education Funding (CEF), encourages participation in the “Don’t Flunk the Future” Campaign to oppose cuts to education funding. Write directly to members of Congress to encourage them to support education funding.

About the campaign

Drastic cuts to federal education funding proposed in the House of Representatives’ FY2025 appropriations bill are a threat to our future. If enacted, this budget would harm students and potential workers in every community across the country. Ripple effects will include:

• Students: From the youngest pre-K learners to college aspirants to adults training for in-demand jobs, the consequences will be both immediate and life-long, impacting our families, friends, and neighbors.
• Educators: Tens of thousands of teachers, counselors, specialists, and support staff will vanish from our schools and campuses.
• Communities: Millions of children, young people, and adults will be deprived of quality education programs that would allow them to grow into strong, productive, contributing members of our communities, companies, and country.
• Workforce: Millions of prospective skilled workers will become economic castaways, worsening our nation’s workforce shortage and increasing the demands on our nation’s safety net.
• National Strength: Cuts of this magnitude will undermine our economic future and threaten our global competitiveness.

The federal government should be increasing public education funding, not cutting it. Education has been underfunded for years, and usually accounts for less than 2% of the federal budget. Adjusting for inflation, FY2024 Department of Education funding is $16.6 billion below the 2011 level.

The House bill will make it harder for Americans from all walks of life to succeed. From hard-working young adults and teachers to more than 25 million students in virtually all the nation’s public schools districts, the consequences will be dire.

NACAC, alongside other members of the U.S. for Success Coalition, signed a letter to congressional leadership expressing deep concern over recent immigration actions that threaten the ability of international students and scholars to study and thrive in the United States. The letter underscores the critical role these students play in advancing national security, strengthening the economy, supporting American innovation, and enriching campus communities. The coalition urges Congress to push back against visa revocations, detentions, and bans that send a chilling message to the world. The letter calls for transparent, fair policies that reflect the nation’s longstanding commitment to global engagement and educational opportunity. NACAC remains committed to advocating for policies that welcome international talent and reinforce the United States’ leadership in higher education.

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.  

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 joined more than 50 organizations in signing a letter to Congress today 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 postsecondary 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.

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.

The Committee for Education Funding (CEF), a coalition of over 110 education organizations, including NACAC, urged Secretary Linda McMahon to oppose the president’s executive order to close the Department of Education and significantly reduce its staff. CEF warns that these actions would undermine the department’s legal responsibilities, including the distribution of essential federal education funding. The letter underscores the department’s critical role in supporting states, upholding civil rights, and directing resources to vulnerable students while clarifying that it does not control curriculum or personnel decisions. CEF also raises concerns about the legality of shifting the department’s programs to other agencies without congressional approval and questions how the federal government would fulfill its education commitments without the department. CEF calls on the administration to abandon these efforts and instead collaborate with Congress to strengthen education policy and funding.

NACAC joined 32 organizations in signing Student Aid Alliance’s letter to key members of Congress advocating for robust funding for federal student aid programs in fiscal year 2026. The letter highlights the bipartisan history of support for these programs, which expands access to higher education and strengthens the workforce. It also underscores the economic and social benefits of investing in federal student aid and calls on Congress to prioritize these vital resources.

NACAC is committed to ensuring that postsecondary education remains accessible to all students and that college admission counseling professionals are well supported in their efforts. The U.S. Department of Education has historically played a vital role in reducing disparities between states and districts, protecting students’ rights, and expanding access to higher education. However, Trump’s executive order, which aims to dismantle the department, threatens the supports and services necessary for all students to thrive in school, their communities, and their future careers. While laws like IDEA and Section 504 remain intact, severe staff cuts, particularly in the Office for Civil Rights, undermine the enforcement of these protections and put disabled students at risk. The American Association of People with Disabilities provides an opportunity to take action to safeguard the department’s role in ensuring educational equity. Read more and take action here.

As a member of the Title IV-A Coalition, NACAC works to advocate for full funding and successful implementation of the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. On behalf of the Title IV-A Coalition, we strongly condemn President Trump’s executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. This action threatens critical education programs, including the bipartisan-supported SSAE grants that provide essential resources for student well-being, well-rounded education, and technology access. The Coalition urges the administration to uphold the department’s responsibilities and ensure uninterrupted funding for schools and students.  

As of March 11, 2025, the Trump administration initiated massive reductions in force at the U.S. Department of Education. The administration has made clear that it plans to eliminate the department, an action that NACAC strenuously opposes. NACAC issued a letter to Congress and the administration on March 12 expressing NACAC’s opposition to initiatives that would dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education. NACAC also posted an action alert. Please use it to tell your members of Congress not to abandon our national commitment to education.

NACAC signed a letter urging Congress to protect students from the projected $2.7 billion funding shortfall in the Pell Grant program. Without immediate action, the Pell Grant program faces financial cuts for the first time in over a decade, which would exacerbate affordability challenges and limit access to higher education. Investing in Pell is critical to ensuring students can pursue the education and training needed for their economic mobility. NACAC remains committed to advocating for robust federal student aid and urges Congress to fully fund the Pell Grant program to support student success and access.

NACAC signed a letter urging the Department of Education to rescind the Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter and to engage with the higher education community on compliance obligations under Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and federal civil rights law. The letter has led to confusion on campuses, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which remain legally permissible when implemented in accordance with federal law. NACAC is committed to fostering inclusive educational environments and seeks to work with the department to ensure clear, legally sound guidance that supports institutional compliance and student success.

House Republicans released their fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which funds student aid programs. In it, both Federal Work-Study and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs are cut in half. This cut of over $1 billion dollars would harm more than 2 million low-income students should this bill be signed into law. Moreover, the Pell Grant faces a $2.7 billion shortfall, further threating aid to millions of students. It’s critical that Congress hear your opposition to these cuts that would increase student debt and make it more difficult for low-income students to attend and succeed in college.

The specter of a dismantling or elimination of the Department of Education hangs heavily over the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s confirmation hearings on President Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon. NACAC issued a letter to the HELP Committee expressing its opposition to McMahon’s confirmation as “premature and unwarranted” until and unless order is restored to the administration’s unlawful actions toward the Department, including limitations on First Amendment rights through DEI bans, withholding of funding appropriated by Congress, and elimination of programs and resources required by Congress. Take action now to tell your members of Congress not to dismantle the Department of Education.

NACAC signed onto a letter that urges dialogue between the State Department and higher education community on issues ranging from national security to visa issuance. Given prior, harmful Trump administration policies to international student mobility — a NACAC policy priority — the higher education community seeks to work with the administration on understanding the full ramifications of policies that might similarly affect international students. A recent article in The Journal of College Admission explores how admission leaders can help maintain a pipeline of international students during Trump’s presidency.

At the outset of a new Congress and new presidential administration, NACAC distributed a letter to all members of Congress and the president articulating the association’s vision for strengthening postsecondary access. The letter reflects priorities developed by member committees and approved by the board over the past two decades. NACAC is eager to work with legislators interested in these priorities in 2025 and beyond.

NACAC, as a coalition partner with the Committee for Education Funding (CEF), encourages participation in the “Don’t Flunk the Future” Campaign to oppose cuts to education funding. Write directly to members of Congress to encourage them to support education funding.

About the campaign

Drastic cuts to federal education funding proposed in the House of Representatives’ FY2025 appropriations bill are a threat to our future. If enacted, this budget would harm students and potential workers in every community across the country. Ripple effects will include:

• Students: From the youngest pre-K learners to college aspirants to adults training for in-demand jobs, the consequences will be both immediate and life-long, impacting our families, friends, and neighbors.
• Educators: Tens of thousands of teachers, counselors, specialists, and support staff will vanish from our schools and campuses.
• Communities: Millions of children, young people, and adults will be deprived of quality education programs that would allow them to grow into strong, productive, contributing members of our communities, companies, and country.
• Workforce: Millions of prospective skilled workers will become economic castaways, worsening our nation’s workforce shortage and increasing the demands on our nation’s safety net.
• National Strength: Cuts of this magnitude will undermine our economic future and threaten our global competitiveness.

The federal government should be increasing public education funding, not cutting it. Education has been underfunded for years, and usually accounts for less than 2% of the federal budget. Adjusting for inflation, FY2024 Department of Education funding is $16.6 billion below the 2011 level.

The House bill will make it harder for Americans from all walks of life to succeed. From hard-working young adults and teachers to more than 25 million students in virtually all the nation’s public schools districts, the consequences will be dire.