Education Secretary McMahon has spent her first year pressing regulatory changes that the Department of Education says tighten accountability and curb perceived abuses across higher education. The department credits the agenda with wins on oversight and consumer protections; Democrats, college leaders and student groups counter that new rules—combined with narrow regulatory interpretations—are creating new barriers to access and financial aid for students. Institutions and lawmakers have responded with public pushback and litigation threats, arguing some department moves exceed statutory authority or limit campus autonomy. University finance officers and legal teams are closely monitoring guidance that affects loan eligibility, borrower protections, and Title‑VI enforcement; critics say the cumulative effect may reshape admissions and aid on state campuses. These developments matter to trustees and presidents because enforcement and rulemaking now factor heavily into strategic planning, compliance budgets, and risk assessments. Expect more public comments, formal petitions during rulemaking, and likely court challenges as institutions try to preserve enrollment access and financial-aid structures.