Federal Funding Cuts
The past few years have been a tumultuous time for universities in America. Following the wake of the Gaza Palestine protests, many universities have found themselves targets of federal funding cuts.
So far, the Trump administration has focused its attention on elite research universities including, but not limited to, Harvard ($2.26 b.), Columbia ($400 m.), Cornell ($1 b.), UPenn ($175 m.), Brown ($510 m.), Northwestern ($790 m.) and Princeton ($210 m.).
S&P Global Ratings, a leading American credit rating agency, believes that these federal funding cuts will raise the credit risk for these universities. However, they also note that the funding cuts mostly affect research universities with strong financial positions, and more widespread cuts to federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants or student loans have not been made.
How will this affect the Class of 2025?
For the select few individuals from Skyline who have made it into the targeted universities, these schools remain the most prestigious institutions in the country. Given the nature of the cuts, there is a strong possibility of fewer research opportunities than they previously would have.
However, the funding cuts have larger ramifications beyond money and research. The Trump administration has been leveraging federal funding to ensure higher education aligns with its position. Reasons given include antisemitism, hosting “illegal protests,” and, for UPenn, having had a transgender athlete on their swim team back in 2022.
Although some universities, most notably Harvard, have been resisting the demands of the administration, these government actions could lead to a loss of liberties to protest and LGBTQ+ protections at these colleges. In fact, Columbia has already taken action to align with the demand of the administration. This includes banning face masks meant to help remain anonymous in public, expelling and suspending certain student protestors, and reevaluating the Middle East department.
Student Perspectives at Skyline
Zachary Y., a senior heading to Brown University in the fall, said he remains optimistic despite the funding cuts.
“I think the majority of students will remain pretty much unaffected by the funding cuts. Especially undergrad students like me who won’t be doing research yet. The school still has a seven billion dollar endowment to leverage, and there hasn’t been any change to the facilities or faculty.”
The funding cuts are certainly nothing to scoff at, but higher education has entrenched itself in America, and its future is unlikely to be ruined by one president. The class of 2025 shouldn’t be discouraged.
For more information:
A look at the universities with federal funding targeted by the Trump
WA’s college financial aid program is facing cutbacks
