Washington Update: Implications of the 2024 Elections on Higher Ed — Part 1

Higher Education Expert Analysis of Anticipated Federal Policy Changes Under the Incoming Administration

Part 1 of this two-part podcast welcomes back Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and our Washington Update expert, to examine how the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise on The Hill, Netting provides an insider's perspective on the anticipated changes a Trump administration and Republican Congress could bring to higher education.

The conversation unpacks major shifts within the Department of Education, from FAFSA modernization and Title IX overhaul to the future of student loan repayment. Netting addresses pressing questions about federal funding streams, potential departmental restructuring, and the impact of new IT security regulations. The discussion culminates in a penetrating analysis of how evolving ROI metrics could fundamentally alter higher education funding decisions.

Overview What Higher Education Leaders Will Gain from Listening to This Podcast

Higher Education Implications of the 2024 Election – Part 1

• The incoming presidential administration is expected to bring significant changes to the Department of Education, moving much faster than it did in the previous administration. Key personnel appointments are being announced quickly and are comprised of a more seasoned team.
• Netting doesn’t believe the Department of Education will be abolished but expects significant changes in how it is run, particularly with Linda McMahon as the nominee for Secretary of Education. Her background suggests the Department will be run more like a business with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
• Higher education leaders should be prepared to embrace potential changes, some of which might be positive. For example, the administration is expected to address the challenges with the FAFSA form and the administration of student financial aid, issues that have led to a decline in applications.

Federal Higher Education Reform: Key Policy Changes for 2025

Key areas of change within the Department of Education likely include:

• Title IX: The current Title IX regulations are facing legal challenges, with 26 states blockading the regulations as put forward and 24 states trying to implement them in the new iteration, which is causing chaos for institutions. The new administration may revisit these regulations.
• Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency Regulations: All institutions, not just proprietary or those subject to loss of eligibility, are supposed to submit information on all of their student cohorts to the Department of Education by January 15th. These regulations, requiring institutions to submit data on student cohorts and completers lists, are facing scrutiny and potential revision under the new administration.
• Income-Contingent Based Repayment Plans: The administration will need to address the upcoming deadline for student loan repayments and may revise existing income-driven repayment plans. Netting succinctly explains the difference in opinion between Republicans and Democrats on student loan repayment. 
• Return on Investment (ROI) in Higher Education: The new administration is likely to focus on the ROI of higher education, potentially using a calculation similar to the one used for “exemplary institutions” under the previous administration. This could lead to an assessment of ROI across all sectors of higher education and influence funding decisions. The major difference, however, is that this new equation methodology recognizes a 10-year window, not a 3-year window of earnings potential. 

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders

1. Engage with Policymakers: Actively engaging with policymakers at both the state and federal levels. This involves understanding their priorities, building relationships, and advocating for policies that support higher education.
2. Prioritize Cybersecurity: The increasing focus on cybersecurity, particularly the NIST 800-171 regulations, makes cybersecurity a top priority. This includes investing in necessary infrastructure and personnel to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.
3. Focus on Workforce Development: Place a high priority on workforce development and the need for higher education institutions to align their programs with the needs of the economy. This includes forging partnerships with businesses and industries to provide relevant training and ensure graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

Higher Education Policy Outlook 2025

Overall, it is recommended higher education anticipate a period of significant change under the new administration. Leaders should stay informed about policy developments, particularly those related to the issues listed above, and be prepared to adapt to a new regulatory environment.

Join us next week for Part 2 of this Washington Update with Tom Netting on anticipated changes coming in 2025 with the new administration. 

Read the transcript on our website at https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-implications-of-the-2024-elections-on-higher-ed-part-1/

#HigherEducation #WashingtonUpdate #HigherEdPolicy

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About Our Podcast Guest

Tom Netting

Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.