With a potential U.S. federal government shutdown imminent due to political gridlock, experts warn of widespread impacts on higher education. Federal student financial aid management staff are facing furloughs, and new research grant awards from agencies like the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services may be delayed or paused. While grants already awarded will continue to be spent, the stoppage of new funding applications may stall research projects. Higher education leaders express concerns about disruptions to institutions and research competitiveness amid ongoing shutdown negotiations.