What the USA Election Means for Higher Education

As the results of the 2024 U.S. election unfold, higher education faces a critical juncture, with each party setting forth vastly different paths for the sector. This election brings implications that could reshape financial aid, campus policies, and federal oversight for years to come. Whether you’re involved in recruitment, policy, or institutional leadership, understanding these shifts is essential. In Inside Higher Ed, Katherine Knott outlines how the election’s outcomes will likely impact higher education:

1. Student Loan Forgiveness and Financial Aid

Vice President Kamala Harris’s administration could build on recent debt relief efforts, broadening support for students with financial need. By contrast, a Trump-led administration would halt these initiatives, prioritizing pathways that minimize student dependence on loans.

2. Title IX and Campus Policies

With Title IX protections at stake, Harris’s agenda leans toward enhancing rights related to gender inclusivity, fostering a supportive campus climate. Trump’s approach may reduce these protections, affecting institutional policies around gender-related issues.

3. Federal Funding and Institutional Oversight

Trump’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Education could fundamentally change funding and accreditation standards. Harris, however, advocates for federal structures that protect both educational quality and student rights, signaling continued institutional support.

Alternative Pathways Beyond Traditional Degrees

Interestingly, both Harris and Trump acknowledge the need for career paths outside traditional four-year degrees. Harris emphasizes apprenticeships and skill-based programs, while Trump has advanced measures to reduce degree requirements for federal positions. This alignment could signal a shift in admissions and recruitment, valuing diverse credentials and experience over standard academic paths.

Implications for Campus Climate and Diversity Policies

The election results could also affect undocumented students and diversity policies on campuses. Harris supports inclusive practices, including DACA protections, while Trump’s stance may impose restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, reshaping support systems for marginalized students.

The Growing Educational Divide Among Voters

This election underscores a widening educational divide: college-educated voters largely supported Harris, while Trump drew significant support from non-college-educated voters. This signals a public perception shift regarding higher ed’s role, especially among those who feel left out by traditional academic pathways. Bridging this gap may call for strategic communication, addressing both academic and public trust in higher education.

Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing higher education.