ACE Survey: Federal Policy Uncertainty Weighs Heavily on Higher Education Leaders

Seven in 10 senior higher education leaders say they are concerned about government interference in academic freedom and institutional autonomy, and nearly all report that the current federal policy environment has introduced uncertainty into institutional planning, according to ACE's latest Pulse Point survey, released today. ​​

The survey found that 98 percent of senior leaders reported at least some level of uncertainty stemming from federal policy actions, with nearly three-quarters describing that uncertainty as moderate or extreme. These findings align with ACE's previous survey released in September, in which 74 percent of college presidents said they were "extremely concerned" about the administration's impact on higher education.

"Uncertainty around research funding, immigration and international engagement, academic freedom, and student aid policy are shaping institutional decision-making and straining long-term planning efforts," write Kara Seidel and Danielle Melidona, the report's authors.

Fielded December 2-16, 2025, the survey includes responses from 386 senior leaders nationwide, including 112 presidents and chancellors, and reflects leaders' assessments of the most pressing challenges facing colleges and universities as 2026 begins.

When asked to rate their level of concern across 13 issues, several rose to the top:

• Perceptions of the value of college: More than eight in 10 respondents reported extreme or moderate concern about policymakers' views of higher education's value, while more than three-quarters expressed similar concern about public perceptions.
• Academic freedom and institutional autonomy: Seven in 10 respondents reported extreme or moderate concern about state or federal policy involvement in these areas, and 42 percent identified the issue as among their top three most pressing concerns.
• Immigration restrictions and visa revocations: Six in 10 senior leaders reported moderate or extreme concern, with nearly one-quarter citing the issue as one of their top three challenges.
• Long-term financial viability: More than four in 10 respondents selected financial sustainability as a pressing concern, including a majority of presidents.

The current policy environment is also influencing day-to-day decision-making. More than two-thirds of senior leaders said federal policy conditions were having an extreme or moderate impact on institutional decision-making, and only a small share reported little or no impact.

Fiscal and operational consequences are already emerging: ​

• Budget and staffing impacts: More than half of respondents reported budgetary adjustments, including cuts to research or student support budgets, while nearly one-third cited staff furloughs or hiring freezes and about one-quarter reported program closures or mergers.
• Regulatory and compliance pressures: Six in 10 senior leaders reported moderate or extreme concern about added financial constraints tied to compliance with new or proposed federal policies, and more than half expressed similar concern about increased workload or staffing demands.
• Student services: Nearly one-third of respondents said political pressures since January 2025 had significantly or moderately reduced their institutions' ability to provide student services, while another 40 percent reported smaller reductions.

"As attention is increasingly diverted from core educational and research missions, institutions and systems continue to navigate fiscal constraints, regulatory pressures, and public and policymaker perceptions of the value of higher education," the authors write. "While the full consequences for students and institutions are still unfolding, the findings reflect a desire to mitigate an immediate disruption in the sector."

ACE's Pulse Point survey addressed an array of other key issues, including concerns about financing graduate and professional education amid cuts to federal loan programs, views on the new expansion of Pell Grant eligibility to short-term programs, and top policy priorities for 2026.

Click here to access the full report. ​