The DoE for the IEC: Understanding the Federal Government’s Role in Education

Note: The Trump administration is making changes at a rapid pace and while these functions have existed with the Department of Education for decades, they could take a different shape or live in a different department in the future. The important piece to recognize is that the federal government plays a fundamental, yet defined role in the US education system.

Since election season last fall, the Trump campaign/administration has been discussing the elimination of the Department of Education, which has stood as a Cabinet-level department since its creation by Congress during the Carter administration. As independent educational consultants (IECs), our daily work is shaped by Department of Education (DoE) programs and policies that affect every stage of a student’s educational journey. Understanding these connections helps us better serve our students and their families.

The US Constitution, through the 10th Amendment, designates all powers not explicitly laid out as federal to the states, passing education to state and local governments. States determine overall curriculum requirements, disburse a substantial amount of K-12 funding, and develop policy for local school districts to follow. While there are variations between states, local districts maintain some control over their curriculum, programming, and budgets. In higher education, states oversee funding, policy, and governance, particularly for public institutions.

The DoE’s K-12 programs create the foundation for college access. Title I grants support low-income school districts, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures special education services reach students who need them. The McKinney-Vento Act protects educational access for homeless students, and English Language Learner (ELL) programs support non-native English speakers. These programs help develop the diverse pool of students pursuing higher education. When we think about college access and preparedness, all of these programs shape the students who matriculate on college campuses.

When it comes to college affordability, the DoE’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) plays a crucial role. Each year, more than 17 million students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the gateway to federal financial assistance. The FSA administers approximately $120.8 billion annually in grants, work-study, and loan funds, including $33 billion in Pell Grants for low and middle-income undergraduates. For many of our students, these programs make college attendance possible.

While the past two years have been a bit shaky for the FAFSA, the DoE has improved the management of the program, and the Class of 2025 has been able to apply for aid through a stable, secure process. The federal student aid program includes the work-study program and has significant guardrails to encourage appropriate borrowing through these channels.

The DoE’s oversight functions are equally important to our practices. Through accreditation oversight, the department ensures colleges meet quality standards for federal aid eligibility. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces anti-discrimination laws, helping ensure safer campus environments. Additionally, the department maintains comprehensive data collection from all institutions participating in federal aid programs, allowing us to help families analyze and compare crucial metrics like admission rates, academic outcomes, and graduation rates.

Programs and policies across federal, state, and local governments impact the educational options and outcomes for our students and their families. Understanding the intersections of these entities and their roles is critical to helping students navigate the course of their education.

For IECA members who would like to express their support for DoE programs, the most effective approach right now is to contact your legislators. Share your experiences, personally and professionally, with DoE areas of oversight.

The IECA Government Relations Committee and representatives from a number of our regional groups continue to track state and national legislation that impacts our members and the students we serve. IECA members will be meeting with legislators during our annual Advocacy Day event on March 10-11, 2025. As the actions of the new administration continue to unfold, we will keep members informed about developments and action steps.

By Whitney Bruce, CEP, IECA Professional (ME), Chair of the IECA Government Relations Committee