U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Under Secretary Nicholas Kent participated in a roundtable at the White House focused on reforms in higher education. The event, titled “Administrative Bloat and Low-Value Programs: How U.S. Universities are Failing American Families and How They Can Reform,” brought together university leaders, think tank professionals, and education advocates to discuss ways to address concerns about rising costs and declining public confidence in the higher education system.
During the discussion, Secretary McMahon and Under Secretary Kent addressed the challenges faced by students and families due to what they described as an outdated higher education system. They also outlined key elements of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which aims to lower costs in higher education and increase accountability. Proposed measures include the introduction of Workforce Pell Grants, changes to student loan repayment plans, new borrowing caps on federal loans, and other steps intended to improve the value of a college degree.
Participants included Casey Sacks, President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College; Erin Valdez from the University of Austin and Cicero Institute; Michael Bettersworth from Texas State Technical College; Raymond “Ray” Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida; and Kimberly Fletcher, President of Moms for America. Each participant contributed perspectives based on their experience in higher education leadership.
“It was an honor to meet with education leaders today to discuss how we can revitalize Americans’ dwindling faith in postsecondary education. Staggering increases in tuition rates, dismal earnings outcomes for many degrees, and wasteful spending on armies of administrators and DEI programs all underline the urgent need for bold reforms. Universities must refocus their operations to deliver high-value credentials and a better return on investment for the next generation of Americans,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It was so encouraging to hear from higher education leaders in Texas, Florida, and West Virginia who are laser focused on keeping costs down and innovating to ensure public colleges are preparing graduates for rewarding careers in high-demand fields.”
“In partnership with college and university leaders nationwide, the Trump Administration is moving swiftly to implement long-overdue reforms for borrowers and taxpayers, hold institutions accountable for poor outcomes, and create new pathways to give students more post-high school options beyond the traditional four-year degree,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “It was a privilege to join Secretary McMahon and many distinguished speakers today to highlight key provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will deliver on the President’s promise to restore the greatness of American higher education.”
In October, a draft “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education” was circulated by the Trump Administration among several universities. This document outlined proposed reforms aimed at containing costs, improving returns on investment for students, and reducing administrative overhead within universities. The administration continues seeking feedback from stakeholders with a goal of ensuring that public investments support academic research, economic growth, and value for both students and taxpayers.
See Secretary McMahon’s roundtable remarks here and Under Secretary Kent’s remarks here.
