Following President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order Thursday, March 20 to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE), students across the nation and at Grand Valley State University have expressed concern over the cost of their courses and college experience.

Trump’s order stated it would “return authority over education to the States and local communities,” and the President announced student aid would be shifted to the Small Business Association (SBA), an independent government agency. Closing DOE requires congressional approval. Even if it were to pass, many doubt the possibility of SBA overseeing student aid, especially in the face of staff cuts across federal agencies.

Still, the order has raised significant concern over the implications the order may have for students. However, according to Michelle Roads, the associate vice president of the University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, GVSU has not made any preemptive changes as a result of the federal order.

“We have not heard of anything that will change from the student or parent perspective, and no changes that we know of now to any financial aid amounts,” Rhodes said. 

Many students at GVSU heavily rely on Federal Student Aid to pay for their education. Sophomore Regina Lavalle is one student who relies on government aid. She explained that neither she nor her parents can pay the full cost of tuition, especially since her little brother is also starting college. Lavalle expressed worry and frustration over the current situation. 

“If there are huge changes I am not sure I will be able to continue my education,” Lavalle said. “I rely on loans and grants to pay my tuition and am not sure I will be able to pay without them. Even if the amount just lessens, that may affect me.”

Another sophomore, Sara Duffiney, also relies on federal loans to pay for her education. For her, any large changes to financial aid would mean taking out even more private loans. This has led Duffiney to feel uncertain over what her educational journey will look like over the next few years.

“I’m not really sure what I would do if I did not receive federal loans,” Duffiney said. “My only plan as of right now involves cutting out parts of my payment to Grand Valley in the next few semesters to reduce my overall bill. Some of these (cuts) include not getting a meal plan, living off campus and not purchasing a campus parking pass.”

Rhodes said students would be notified, should any updates to financial aid occur. She concluded the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is available to answer questions from students about FAFSA and Financial Aid. In the meantime, students can visit their webpage for clarity about FASFA.