University officials are assuring students that key financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, currently remain unaffected amid ongoing discussions about the intentions of the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education and instituter other general federal funding cuts and changes.

Officials confirmed that the U.S. Department of Education has issued no indications of cuts to Title IV financial aid programs, ensuring continued support for eligible students. 

During a March 7 appearance on “Fox and Friends,” Linda McMahon, Secretary of the Department of Education, was asked if she believed if the U.S. needed the Department of Education, to which she replied, “No, we don’t.” During another appearance on “NewsNation Live,” McMahon said that student loans and grants “might be best served in another department,” which is a sentiment that has also been repeated by Trump.  

In an oval office interview with reporters on March 6, Trump relayed his intention to hand over the oversight of student loans to another department, which he said would be most likely through the Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration or the Commerce Department. Many experts have raised concerns about the ability for the SBA, which is meant to oversee small business loans, to handle the loans and debts 40 million Americans.  

Although Pell Grants currently remain unaffected, concern is mounting after the Congressional Budget Office released its January report that projected a $2.7 billion budget shortfall for the program over the next fiscal year. CBO also projects the Pell Grant program will be short $10 billion by 2026-27 unless Congress steps in to increase funding.  

In the 2022-2023 academic year, 20% of degree-seeking undergraduate students received a Pell Grant in the U.S., while 76% utilized at least one federal student loan. These programs are essential in making higher education accessible to students from low-income backgrounds. The university is encouraging students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually by May 1 to maximize eligibility for both federal and state financial assistance. 

Students concerned about tuition costs and financial aid can seek guidance from Misericordia’s Student Financial Services Office. The office provides assistance with federal and state aid applications, scholarship searches, and financial literacy education. The university also offers a financial literacy web page (https://www.misericordia.edu/financial-aid/financial-literacy) designed to help students manage their budgets, save money, and understand credit-building strategies. 

Beyond Pell Grants, student loans and tuition assistance, concerns have arisen regarding potential changes to federally funded programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which could affect students’ ability to meet basic needs. A proposed federal budget includes cuts to food assistance programs, which may impact students who rely on these resources. According to Katherine Pohlidal, director of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program, reductions in these benefits could have severe consequences for students facing food insecurity. 

“The concern I would have is if there are cutbacks, how that could negatively impact our students and their ability to feed themselves, their families, and be able to afford going to school and continue to go to school,” Pohlidal said.  

The Department of Education recently removed key student loan forgiveness and repayment applications, creating uncertainty about future debt relief options. Students are encouraged to stay informed about policy changes and consult the Student Financial Services Office for guidance on managing their loan obligations. 

While Title IV financial aid remains secure for now, university administrators are monitoring potential policy shifts closely. They are committed to ensuring students have access to the financial support they need to complete their education. 

For more information on financial aid and available resources, students are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services Office or visit the university’s website for financial assistance.