WINONA, Minn. — President Trump’s confirmation to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education sent shock waves through the nation’s higher-ed system, including Winona State. At greatest risk at Winona State is $32.7 million a year is financial aid for students to pay tuition. Without aid, hundreds of students would need to leave the university. Annually the university passes on $25 million in loans to students and $6.7 million in Pell grants. The Pell grants go mostly to students whose families earn less than $30,000. At stake too is federal funding for the National Child Protection and Training Center, which is housed on campus, and Title IV funding for tutoring and other support for student achievement Already the Trump Administration n has cancelled $1.1 million for the proposed Civic Engagement Center, which would have been housed on campus.
Earlier: How WSU lost $1.1 million community-building grant
Earlier: Trump kills $1.1 million WSU project
Columbia as target
The Trump administration pulled $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University last week. The reason: Trump was displeased with how Columbia dealt with student unrest over the Gaza war. Meanwhile, universities nationwide are being reviewed for compliance with Trump priorities.