Stop the Presses: Student Loans Safe from Federal Aid Freeze

The White House put a halt on federal grants and loans on Monday, but don't worry, student loans are safe! The Department of Education clarified that the freeze won't affect college financial aid or student loans. The pause is a chance for the White House to review funding that doesn't match President Trump's agenda. The memo mentioned exceptions for Social Security and Medicare, stating that the pause doesn't include direct individual assistance. So, federal Pell Grants, student loans under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid are all fine. However, some programs might feel the pinch. Federal work-study programs and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant could be affected, as they're provided to colleges in bulk. But many colleges have already taken their funds for the spring, so it might not hit right away. Research grants could also be impacted, including funding for graduate research assistantships. The confusion comes from the memo not clarifying if aid sent first to institutions or states, then to students, is exempt. Most Title IV funds are safe, but other aid is a question mark. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the American Council on Education are looking into the impact on campus-based aid programs. Education leaders are urging the Trump administration to reconsider the memo. The longer the freeze lasts, the more damage it could do to student and research funds.