Nicholas Kent has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 15th Under Secretary of Education. In a statement, Kent highlighted his background as a first-generation college student and recipient of a Pell Grant, expressing his commitment to making postsecondary education accessible for all Americans.
Kent emphasized the need to address public concerns about higher education. He cited Gallup data from 2024 indicating that only 31% of American adults believed the industry was moving in the right direction. He also referenced findings from the Knight Foundation-Ipsos study, which showed that just 8% of college students felt their free speech rights were "very secure." Additionally, he pointed to research from the Burning Glass Institute showing less than half of recent graduates are employed in jobs requiring a college degree.
"We must right the ship of higher education to better serve students, employers, and taxpayers," Kent said. "High school graduates should enter college with a clear direction. The taxpayer money spent on their education should have a direct impact on their ability to contribute to the workforce."
Kent addressed concerns about federal student loans, noting that the Department manages a $1.7 trillion portfolio with a default rate of 25%. He called for greater accountability among colleges regarding tuition increases and student outcomes: "Colleges should not be increasing their tuition each year, enabled by generous federal loan subsidies, without having to answer for their students’ outcomes."
Reflecting on his previous roles—including chief policy officer at Career Education Colleges and Universities and Deputy Secretary of Education for Virginia—Kent reiterated his focus on policies benefiting students over institutional interests. "If colleges and other postsecondary institutions merit taxpayer investment, it is because they equip American citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly-evolving economy," he said.
As Under Secretary, Kent will oversee policies related to postsecondary education, career training, adult education, and federal student aid. He mentioned implementing President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a reform aiming to lower costs, simplify loan repayment processes, authorize Workforce Pell grants, and hold educational institutions accountable for poor employment outcomes among graduates.
Kent expressed support for alternatives to traditional four-year degrees such as vocational training and apprenticeships: "I look forward to embracing alternatives to the traditional four-year degree—promoting vocational training, apprenticeships, and innovative credentials that align education with the in-demand needs of today's workforce."
He concluded by thanking Department staff for their anticipated contributions: "I am grateful to rely on your expertise and dedication as we restore the postsecondary ladder to prosperity for all Americans and make higher education great again."
