Trump’s Budget Proposal Would Cut $2.3 Billion From Education

If you’re a college student or family relying on financial aid, President Trump’s newly released fiscal year 2027 budget proposal (PDF File) could signal major changes ahead. The plan calls for eliminating two long-standing aid programs, freezing Pell Grant awards at their current dollar amount, and continuing the administration’s push to shut down the Department of Education entirely.

The proposal, unveiled on Friday, requests $76.5 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, a $2.3 billion (2.9%) decrease from last year. Including both mandatory and discretionary funding, the administration requested $124.4 billion for federal student aid.

The budget document describes these moves as putting the department on a “path to elimination,” with programs transferred to other agencies and staff reduced.

Here’s what the proposal includes, what it would mean for your wallet, and why it may or may not actually happen.