September 22, 2026

In August 2026, the Trump Administration released a proposed rule to amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). 

These rules specify how the U.S. Department of Education awards grants to colleges and universities, nonprofits, state and local governments, and other grantees.

The Hope Center has significant concerns with the proposed changes. Our comment outlines how this proposal would make federal higher education grants less reliable, easier to cancel for political reasons, and more costly for colleges, ultimately harming students who rely on these programs to meet their essential needs and stay enrolled.

In the comment letter, we urge the Department to withdraw the rule entirely or make substantial changes.