Universities Face Pressure for Federal Funding in Exchange for Compliance with Trump Administration Policies

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:43:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Trump administration is urging nine prestigious universities to sign a compact that aligns with its policies in return for favorable federal funding access.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has requested nine major universities to commit to its educational priorities through a newly proposed compact. This 10-page agreement aims to define students’ rights and admissions processes in ways that align with the administration's vision, including limits on international enrollment and mandates on gender definitions. Colleges agreeing to this compact stand to gain better access to federal grants and collaboration opportunities, but may also face penalties for non-compliance.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is proposing a new route for universities to secure federal funding by aligning with its political priorities. This effort involves nine selective universities that are being asked to commit to a 'Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.'

Schools signing the compact would adopt the administration's views on issues like admissions, free speech, and women's sports, as they are set to gain priority access to certain federal grants and events with White House officials. However, opting out of the compact would leave these institutions at risk of losing other federal funds.

The compact lays forth several mandates including capping international enrollment at 15% and requiring adherence to government-defined gender identities in campus facilities and programs. Additionally, it places limitations on considering race in admissions and mandates standardized testing for applicants.

Chosen institutions include several prestigious names such as Vanderbilt, the University of Southern California, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Leadership at these schools, like that at the University of Texas at Austin, have expressed eagerness to engage with this new opportunity.

Critics raise concerns over potential implications for academic freedom and diversity of thought on campuses, as the compact includes requirements related to free speech and the dismissal of institutions that discourage conservative viewpoints. Violations of the compact could result in sanctions imposed by the Justice Department, restricting access to the compact's advantages for prolonged periods for non-compliant institutions.

Ultimately, while some institutions are ready to embrace this new initiative, many others across the nation question the balance between federal support and institutional autonomy.