The Trump Administration announced on Mar. 25 a series of changes aimed at making higher education more affordable and helping students enter the workforce more quickly.
The announcement highlights efforts to address concerns about rising student debt, the value of degrees, and academic standards in colleges and universities. The administration said these reforms are designed to pressure institutions to lower costs while ensuring graduates are prepared for jobs after graduation.
According to the statement, several colleges have introduced new scholarship programs or adjusted tuition policies. For example, California Western School of Law plans scholarships for up to 85% of incoming students, while Santa Clara University School of Law will offer $16,000 scholarships so tuition stays below a $50,000 loan cap. The University of Kansas School of Law has created an in-house loan program with a fixed interest rate for borrowing beyond that cap. Lewis and Clark Graduate School has launched a need-based “Bridge the Gap Scholarship.” Tufts University will waive undergraduate tuition for families earning under $150,000 starting in fall 2026; Bryn Mawr College will offer free undergraduate tuition for eligible families earning under $175,000 annually beginning that same semester.
Other large public university systems—including State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), University of California, University of Texas System, and the University of Michigan—offer affordability scholarships ranging from $100,000 to $125,000 for eligible families. Hanover College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is set to provide merit scholarships based on GPA starting August 2026.
Colleges are also expanding accelerated bachelor’s degree options that can be completed in three years rather than four. Major accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission and others have begun approving these programs. Nearly sixty institutions are exploring implementation through models like College in 3 Exchange. Several states—including Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Indiana, Maine, and Utah—are considering shorter credit-hour requirements as well.
The administration said these measures reflect ongoing efforts to shift higher education culture toward affordability and job readiness.
