Navigating School and College Selection in Tumultuous Political Times

Advice for IECs and Counselors

We live in hyper-political times. Political identification has become as closely tied to identity as religion, ethnicity, and even sports team allegiance. Given this reality, it should come as no surprise that the political climate of a school, its campus, and the surrounding community is an increasingly key factor in discussions independent educational consultants (IECs) have with students and families.

As federal education policies shift from the priorities of the Biden administration to the very different agenda of the Trump White House, colleges' responses will not only make headlines and dramatic Congressional testimony but will also significantly impact students' experiences. Regardless of an IEC’s personal political views, it is essential to be aware of these changes and help families navigate them effectively. The goal is not to engage in political debate but to provide guidance on how to assess the political and cultural climate of prospective schools.

Navigating Political and Cultural Climate

First and foremost, IECs must acknowledge the growing political polarization and its influence on education. Ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t impact the college search process is both unrealistic and unprofessional. However, this does not mean IECs should promote their own political stance with clients. Instead, they should encourage families to evaluate how a school’s policies and values align with their own.

For families considering out-of-state options, it is important to explore state policies affecting academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and free speech. Some states have enacted laws that impact university curricula, such as eliminating majors in Women’s Studies or Black Studies and dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Students and families should understand how these changes might shape their college experience.

Evaluating Institutional Stability and Policies

In recent months, the federal government has used financial leverage to influence college policies to adhere more closely to Trump administration priorities, canceling—or threatening to cancel—millions in funding for various campus programs, including administrative costs related to research grants and student life programming. Some institutions have adjusted their policies to retain the bulk of funding, including restrictions on student demonstrations, especially those that have impeded campus access or taken an antisemitic turn.

Even students who are not politically engaged should consider how political and economic shifts impact school funding (and so tuition increases in the future), faculty retention, and curriculum decisions. IECs should guide families in researching the financial health of institutions, particularly as freezes on grants have jeopardized many graduate programs and affected broader institutional stability.

For politically engaged students, it is crucial to investigate how schools are handling issues such as course and club bans, DEI policies, and student activism. This information can help students make informed decisions about whether a particular school aligns with their values and needs.

Understanding Campus Safety and Student Well-being

Political shifts and policy changes inevitably affect campus culture, impacting students, faculty, and administrators. IECs must be informed about how institutions address concerns related to protests, free speech, and mental health support.

Students should consider their comfort level with a school’s approach to student protests, guest speakers, and controversial discussions. Some will embrace the free exchange of ideas, while others may feel uncomfortable if they find themselves in the political minority or if a group with which they identify is targeted by hate speech.

Campus visits, always an essential part of the decision-making process, are now more critical than ever. Seeing student life firsthand can provide invaluable insight into a school’s environment and political climate.

Global Impact

The administration’s crackdown on immigration and international travelers, including those on student visas, has been dramatic. The State Department and ICE have not shied away from revoking visas, and despite lawsuits, claim an absolute right to detain, deport, and revoke visas from students who engage in actions they deem inappropriate. Federal law affords those here legally the same constitutional guarantees of free speech as citizens enjoy. However, those advising international students should encourage caution and careful consideration, as difficulties in re-entering the U.S. appear to impact students regardless of their country of citizenship.

Looking Beyond Politics: Academic and Career Impact

While politics is an important factor, it should not overshadow academic and career considerations. IECs should help students and families put political concerns in perspective, balancing them with long-term academic and professional goals.

Students should be reminded that, in their future careers, they will work alongside colleagues with diverse political viewpoints. College provides a valuable opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and adaptability—skills that are essential in any professional environment.

IECs as Objective Guides

Ultimately, while policies and political climates shift, the role of IECs remains constant: to provide balanced, research-driven guidance. IECs should use professional networks, conferences, and social media to stay informed and share strategies for facilitating open, nonpartisan discussions with families.

By keeping the focus on the individual needs of each student rather than external pressures, IECs can help families navigate the evolving educational landscape with confidence and clarity.