McNair Rollback Signals A New Era For College Access Policy

Education Department Rolls Back Race Based Criteria in McNair Grants

The U.S. Department of Education announced it will remove race based eligibility criteria from the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. McNair, a TRIO program, has historically supported first generation, low income, and underrepresented students in preparing for doctoral study. The department said the change aligns with recent Supreme Court rulings and federal guidance limiting race conscious policies. Critics argue the rollback could weaken efforts to diversify faculty pipelines and reduce doctoral attainment gaps.

Key Takeaway: Colleges may need to rethink how they structure and justify equity focused pipeline programs while remaining compliant with federal policy.

A Coordinated Retreat from College Access? What TRIO and GEAR UP Cuts Reveal

A new Brookings analysis examines proposed reductions to TRIO and GEAR UP funding and situates them within a broader federal pullback from college access initiatives. The article argues that these programs have long demonstrated positive impacts on enrollment and persistence for low income and first generation students. Cuts would likely reduce advising capacity, financial aid guidance, and academic preparation supports in high need communities. The piece frames the reductions as part of a larger shift away from federally supported access infrastructure.

Quick Insight: Potential cuts to TRIO and GEAR UP could significantly affect colleges that rely on federally funded access pipelines.

Congressional Budget Office Releases Updated Pell Grant Projections

The Congressional Budget Office released updated projections on the Pell Grant program’s costs and funding outlook. The report outlines anticipated shortfalls driven by enrollment shifts and award changes, raising concerns about the long term sustainability of the program without congressional action. Institutions serving high percentages of Pell eligible students may face increased uncertainty in packaging and enrollment planning. Policymakers are expected to debate adjustments to eligibility, award levels, or funding mechanisms.

Key Insight: Financial aid leaders and enrollment managers should prepare for possible Pell funding adjustments that could affect institutional budgets and student affordability.

International Enrollment Under Pressure: What Colleges Can Do

International student enrollment faces continued pressure due to visa delays, geopolitical tensions, and global competition. The article highlights how some institutions are diversifying recruitment markets, strengthening in country partnerships, and investing in student support services to remain competitive. Institutions are also examining pricing strategies and career outcomes to better communicate value. The piece emphasizes the need for proactive strategy rather than reactive recruitment.

Takeaway: Colleges dependent on international tuition revenue should diversify recruitment strategies and strengthen student support to remain resilient.

Measuring Underemployment: New Georgetown CEW Report

Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce released a new report examining underemployment among college graduates. The findings show that a significant share of graduates, particularly those from certain majors and demographic backgrounds, remain underemployed years after earning their degrees. The report highlights disparities by field of study and institutional type. It underscores the growing importance of aligning academic programs with labor market outcomes.

Quick Insight: Institutions may need to strengthen career alignment, advising, and labor market transparency to address graduate underemployment concerns.

Published: February 22, 2026