Trump Administration Extends Deadline for Higher Education Compact
In a significant development regarding federal engagement with higher education institutions, the Trump administration has announced an extension of the deadline for universities to sign onto its proposed higher education compact, which aims to allocate preferential federal funding to compliant institutions. The Daily Signal was the first to report on this decision, which aims to ensure broader participation from universities.
Initially, universities were expected to respond by November 21, 2025. However, the administration has opted to provide additional time, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity for institutions that have demonstrated responsiveness to the compact’s framework, according to an official statement.
The “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” as detailed by the White House, was first introduced on October 1. The administration initially invited nine prestigious universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania, to participate and propose revisions by a set deadline. This compact is framed around several principles designed to promote student equality, fiscal responsibility, and freedom of discourse within academic settings.
In a notable shift, the Trump administration has now expressed a willingness to extend invitations to any university willing to implement the compact’s tenets. Key provisions of the compact include limiting the percentage of international students to 15% of the undergraduate body, prohibiting race-based admissions initiatives, and instituting policies against institutional practices perceived as contrary to conservative ideas. These measures aim to address growing concerns about perceived ideological biases within academia.
This announcement coincides with the White House’s ongoing focus on education reform, highlighted by a recent roundtable discussion led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. The session, titled “Administrative Bloat and Low-Value Programs: How U.S. Universities are Failing American Families and How They Can Reform,” addressed the critical issues of rising tuition costs and ineffective academic programs.
Secretary McMahon emphasized the importance of addressing these systemic issues, stating, “American families are losing faith in postsecondary education, and they have a right to. It’s not because they don’t value education… It’s because everyday Americans are realizing how many universities operate like machines that take in wide-eyed freshmen and churn out indebted graduates.” This sentiment reflects a broader discontent with higher education, where rising costs often do not correspond to significant economic returns for graduates.
Roundtable participants included representatives from various educational institutions and advocacy groups, fostering a collaborative dialogue on how universities can restructure to better serve students and families. As the administration continues to push for reform, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this compact evolves and its potential impact on federal funding for higher education in the United States.
