The recent downsizing of the U.S. Department of Education has instigated notable concerns about federal financial aid accessibility. While Pell Grants remain available, the decrease in staff and the proposed service restructuring could result in delays and complications, impacting the timely support that students and educational institutions depend on for their financial needs.

Recent federal funding reductions have critically affected U.S. higher education, particularly graduate programs and vital research opportunities. These changes pose unique challenges for international and diaspora students pursuing advanced degrees, complicating their educational journeys and increasing competition, thereby making the landscape significantly more uncertain than in previous years.