Higher Education Builds America
Section 1 Content
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.
Section 3 Content
ACE President Ted Mitchell lays out in an op-ed in
The Hechinger Report why higher education must use all available tools to preserve and ultimately strengthen the long-standing partnership between colleges and universities and the federal government. "No nation has ever built up its people by tearing down its schools. Higher education builds America — and together, we will fight to ensure it continues to do so."
Read the full op-ed
Section 4 Content
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.
April 14, 2025
President Trump’s Executive Orders Impacting Higher Education
President Trump began his term with a flurry of executive orders, and they have continued in the months since. This document tracks those with the most significant impact on higher education.
February 25, 2025
Letter to the Department of Education on SFFA Dear Colleague Letter
Along with more than 60 associations, ACE sent this letter in response to the Department of Education’s Feb. 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter.
February 10, 2025
Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Cut to NIH Research Funding
Complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts by ACE, the Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities seeking to halt the Trump administration's proposed cut to the indirect costs rat...
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.
Open Letter to President-elect Trump
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.
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.
Section 5 Content
In this episode of dotEDU Live, Jon, Sarah, and Mushtaq unpack the sweeping policy shifts affecting higher education, including the executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). They also discuss the legal and financial implications for institutions, potential changes to federal student aid, immigration policies impacting international students, and key congressional budget updates. (Aired April 3, 2025)
The latest episode of dotEDU Live unpacks the sweeping layoffs at the Department of Education and their implications for colleges and universities. Hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja are joined by ACE President Ted Mitchell to break down the budget battle in Congress, the department’s restructuring, and the ripple effects on financial aid, student services, and institutional oversight. The discussion also covers the Trump administration’s ongoing investigations into higher education institutions, including Title VI enforcement actions and DEI-related scrutiny, as well as the shifting landscape for federal grant funding.
(Aired March 20, 2025)
Section 6 Content
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.