Faith-Based Colleges Swept Up in Higher Ed Policy Changes

"Leaders of faith-based colleges and universities have spoken out on a slew of political issues in recent months, sometimes standing alongside secular universities and at other times differentiating themselves and defending their unique standing and missions. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities signed on to an October statement from the American Council on Education opposing the administration's higher education compact, for example. Over the summer, CCCU also came out with a statement on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that echoed those of secular associations and institutions, expressing concern that "it ultimately falls short in supporting student access and success.""

"ACE's Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities was among the higher ed groups that lobbied hard against Pell Grant cuts, later dropped from the bill. At the same time, the University of Notre Dame and other faith-based institutions fought for an exemption for religious institutions from the higher education endowment tax, ultimately left out of the legislation's final version."

"Like their secular peers, faith-based colleges and universities have been buffeted by the rapid-fire policy changes roiling higher ed this year. Some leaders of religious colleges say their institutions are enjoying renewed support that they hope sets a precedent for future policymakers across party lines. At the same time, some advocates fear religious colleges-and their missions-are suffering collateral damage in Trump's war against highly selective universities, and they're making careful decisions about when and how to speak out."

Faith-based colleges and universities have taken varied positions on recent federal higher education proposals, at times aligning with secular institutions and at other times defending religious exemptions and missions. National associations such as the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities opposed the administration's higher education compact and criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as falling short on student access. ACE's commission and several faith-based institutions lobbied against proposed Pell Grant cuts and sought endowment tax exemptions, with mixed results in final legislation. Rapid policy shifts have strained advocacy strategies and raised concern about collateral damage to religious institutions and their missions.

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