Higher Education Builds America
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Our nation faces numerous challenges, such as growing economic and military competition abroad and a rapidly evolving economy that requires new ways of learning and working. The key to unlocking America’s potential lies in strengthening and utilizing our world-leading colleges and universities. This is because of one simple truth: Higher education builds America.
Investing in Students and Innovation
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Charitable giving helps create and sustain endowments, which fuel student aid, research, and campus programs. These funds work alongside federal and state investments to expand college access. Nearly two-thirds of endowment spending supports financial aid and academic programs, helping students afford college and driving scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Some lawmakers want to increase the endowment tax, a policy that takes money directly from student aid, teaching, and research. Weakening these resources would undermine U.S. competitiveness and limit opportunities for students.
Read more in
Understanding College and University Endowments to see how these critical funds open doors for students, advance groundbreaking research, and sustain the future of higher education.
We must protect these vital investments in America’s future. Tell Congress: Reject any expansion of the endowment tax.
Contact Congress to Protect College Endowments
Open Letter to President-elect Trump
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ACE President Ted Mitchell urges the incoming administration to recognize the critical role America’s colleges and universities can play in tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges.
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ACE leads the higher education community to advance
the fundamental principles of higher education. These principles
emphasize access and success; the pursuit of knowledge; and the
enrichment of the civic, democratic, and economic vibrancy of the United
States.
ACE 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda
ACE's division of Government Relations and National Engagement's federal legislative and regulatory agenda for FY 2025 focuses on four key areas.
September 30, 2024
SAA Urges Administration to Boost Student Aid in FY 2026
The Student Aid Alliance is asking the administration to provide robust increases for federal student aid in its FY 2026 budget proposal.
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As colleges and universities face mounting federal scrutiny, dotEDU Live hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the latest developments from the Department of Education, the White House, and Congress. They discuss the Education Department’s revised FAQ on DEI policies, newly confirmed Secretary Linda McMahon’s plans for the department, and the Trump administration’s increasing use of federal funding to pressure institutions. The conversation also covers ongoing research funding disruptions, the potential for a government shutdown, and heightened federal investigations into campus protests. (Aired March 5, 2025)
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued a sweeping directive declaring that race-conscious student programs, financial aid, and support services violate federal civil rights law—giving colleges just 14 days to comply. ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the implications for campuses. (Aired February 19, 2025)
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Join ACE in this campaign by becoming a member, sharing the #higheredbuildsamerica message, and standing with us as we continue to advocate for higher education!
Become an ACE Member
Building the future of America is impossible without our nation’s higher education institutions. By joining ACE you can ensure you’re on the front lines of change and innovation in higher ed.
Join Us for dotEDU Live
Talking about these issues is not just important—it’s necessary. Be part of the conversation: Sign up for dotEDU Live updates to join our hosts as they unpack the latest higher education policy moves live from DC.
Help Us Build
Show America how you build higher education and join ACE on social media using our hashtag #higheredbuildsamerica. Download our toolkit of social images and facts to help create and share your story.
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Follow #HigherEdBuildsAmerica