Education in the USA 2025: What Awaits Students After Trump’s Reforms

Free Education at Harvard: What’s the Catch?

Free education at Harvard. Sounds like a dream, right? But reality is often more complicated.

Harvard’s free education initiative primarily targets low-income students. It is funded by the university’s massive endowment (a nonprofit’s reserve fund), which exceeds $50 billion. These funds come from donations and investments that Harvard uses for scholarships, research, and faculty salaries. However, the number of students who receive full financial aid remains limited.

Moreover, many universities are now struggling to maintain their financial aid programs. Due to the reduction of federal grants and scholarships under the Trump administration, students who previously relied on financial assistance may now be left without support.

SAT is Mandatory Again

Another significant change is the return of the mandatory SAT (a standardized test for college and university admission).

Previously, the SAT was required, but during the pandemic, universities made it optional. However, a five-year analysis showed that students who took the SAT performed better academically than those who did not. As a result, the test became mandatory again in 2025.

Here is a list of universities where the SAT is mandatory in 2025:

• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Yale University
• Princeton University
• University of Chicago
• Duke University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Pennsylvania

Therefore, students should prepare for additional expenses related to test preparation. Some organizations offer free or discounted courses, but their availability is limited.

Cuts in University Funding

One of the most noticeable consequences of Trump’s decisions is the severe reduction in federal funding for universities. Columbia University, for example, lost $400 million in grants. The reason? The administration accused the university of insufficient efforts to combat antisemitism on campus.

And this is not an isolated case. Universities supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs also face the risk of losing federal funds. If you were considering scholarships for women or cultural diversity support programs, these grants are now in jeopardy. Some universities will try to sustain these programs through private donations, but their resources are limited.

Furthermore, universities supporting DEI initiatives are unlikely to publicize these efforts under the Trump administration. Therefore, if such programs interest you, it is advisable to contact institutions directly for information.

What Should Applicants Do?

If you plan to apply in the coming years, here are some tips:

1. Prepare for the SAT: Since the test is mandatory again, use free or affordable online resources for preparation. If necessary, find a tutor.
2. Search for Scholarships: Some universities will continue to offer scholarships through private donors. You will need to put in extra effort to find them.
3. Consider Alternatives: Look into state grants, private scholarships, and work-study programs.
4. Explore Community Colleges: Many community colleges offer affordable education and the possibility of transferring to a university later.
5. Stay Informed: Follow news and university announcements to stay updated on changes.

The American education system is on the brink of major changes. Harvard’s offer of free education may sound appealing, but it does not solve the problems faced by thousands of students who are dealing with reduced financial aid and stricter admission requirements.

Reduced funding, mandatory SATs, and university cooperation with ICE create new challenges. However, those willing to put in the effort still have a chance. The key is to stay informed, seek alternative opportunities, and persevere.