Higher education leaders are warning that proposed federal policy changes could create new barriers for students, particularly women and those from marginalized communities, as the Trump administration moves forward with significant funding cuts and program reclassifications.
Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of the American Association of University Women
The proposed reclassification would shift these programs from professional degrees to graduate programs, a move the Education Department says would help control student debt under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." Experts, however, warn the change could limit access to higher education and worsen inequities.
"More people are questioning the value of higher education, and there's growing pressure to judge colleges solely by short-term outcomes. There are also efforts underway to tighten federal student loan options and set new borrowing caps," said Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of the American Association of University Women, who moderated the conversation. "This is not just a technical shift. It's an access question: Who can still start, stay and finish a degree without being pushed out?"
Since taking office last year, the Trump administration has implemented funding freezes and significant cuts to higher education. The reductions total an estimated $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion, factoring in funds already spent, according to a report from the Center for American Progress. The cuts have affected colleges and universities nationwide, targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Pell Grants, student loan programs and federal research funding.
"Resources have always been a challenge. But now to see some spaces on campus and functions on campus that have always struggled, now being completely diminished as far as human and financial resources, is an issue," said Dr. Toby Jenkins, professor of leadership and policies at the University of South Carolina.
