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What Would It Cost to Remove the Department of Education?
It disporportionately affects some people, but who, how much and what?
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is a cornerstone of the nation’s education system, responsible for distributing billions in funding, enforcing civil rights, and ensuring access to educational opportunities for millions of students. However, some politicians argue that the DOE should be eliminated, claiming that education should be managed solely at the state and local levels. Yet, getting rid of the Department of Education doesn’t necessarily mean the end of federally funded programs. The consequences could still be disastrous for students, teachers, schools, and contractors — both in the short and long term.
What Does the Department of Education Do?
The Department of Education, created in 1979, administers a range of federal programs, including Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and financial aid for students with disabilities. These programs were established through congressional legislation and are not automatically terminated if the DOE is dismantled. However, as history shows, eliminating the administrative infrastructure that supports these programs could lead to severe delays, confusion, and system-wide collapse.
