How Trump-era US policies slash DEI funding and affect Mass higher education access

Federal policies introduced under the Trump administration are having widespread effects on higher education institutions across Massachusetts, including steep funding cuts, reduced student support services, and significant drops in international student enrolment. These impacts were detailed during a legislative hearing held by the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion, where higher education officials and students testified.

Massachusetts officials and educators highlighted a series of federal decisions targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, international student visas, food assistance, and financial aid. The testimony indicated these policies are disproportionately affecting vulnerable student populations and disrupting institutional operations across the state.

International student enrolment drops across Mass. institutions
State universities in Massachusetts are reporting sharp declines in international student enrolment. At Fitchburg State University, officials noted a 30 to 40% drop in new international students. Similarly, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) reported a 35% loss in international graduate students for its Fall 2025 intake, as reported by Mass Live.

Michelle Tufau Afriyie of Quinsigamond Community College also noted “significant delays in visa processing” and increased difficulty in securing embassy appointments, according to Mass Live. These delays have disrupted enrolment and reduced institutional revenue.

A report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators showed that more than 82,000 international students contributed $3.9 billion to the Massachusetts economy and supported over 35,000 jobs during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Federal clampdown on DEI threatens institutional funding
According to Mass Live, the Trump administration issued a “Dear Colleague” letter warning state institutions that continued DEI programming could threaten federal funding. Nancy Niemi, president of Framingham State University, stated that institutions did not respond to the letter, instead consulting legal teams and the state Attorney General to ensure continued compliance with legal standards.

Sabrina Gentlewarrior of Bridgewater State University warned that such federal directives could discourage students from underrepresented groups from applying or remaining enrolled, as reported by Mass Live.

Cuts to minority-serving programmes affect Hispanic students
Trump administration policies also ended funding for most minority-serving institutions and redirected support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, neither of which exist in Massachusetts. This change disrupted Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and affected Latino students.

Jorge Fanjul of Latinos for Education told Mass Live that these actions are causing programme freezes, staff reductions, and increased faculty burnout, particularly impacting Latino representation in public colleges.

Food insecurity increases due to USDA and SNAP cuts
Quinsigamond Community College reported that federal cuts to USDA programmes reduced food bank supplies by 7,000 pounds or over 6,300 meals, as stated by Mass Live. Tufau Afriyie linked the rise in food insecurity to reductions in SNAP benefits and noted a 60% increase in pantry demand compared to the previous year.

Loss of federal grants and staffing reductions
The college also lost a $280,000 federal grant due to DEI-related language, resulting in the elimination of three staff positions and cancellation of tutoring services, according to Mass Live. A similar grant using the same language was still approved for STEM support, causing confusion about policy enforcement.

Graduate students face borrowing limits and loan eliminations
New federal legislation passed under President Trump eliminated the Graduate PLUS loan programme. The new law caps total borrowing for graduate students at $100,000 and $200,000 for law and medical students.

Rob McCarron, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, stated in the Mass Live report that students now face limited options, often turning to private lenders with higher interest rates.

Mass colleges seek new funding sources
With federal funds decreasing, Roxbury Community College is looking to secure private support to continue offering paid internships. College president Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson said the institution may need to partner with private donors or state legislators to cover the cost of providing economic mobility for students, as reported by Mass Live.

Dr. Jefferson also highlighted that Massachusetts has made cuts to need-based stipends for community college students, further challenging efforts to retain students with high financial need.