Update on Federal Programs and Implications for Nevada’s Higher Education

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is closely monitoring recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance that put a pause on certain federally funded programs, including grants, loans, and other forms of federal financial assistance. We recognize that this directive raises many questions and concerns about its potential impact on our students, faculty, staff, and institutions.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other programs providing direct financial assistance to individuals are explicitly excluded from this pause. These critical resources, which so many students rely on, remain unaffected at this time.

Beyond financial assistance, the directive may also affect other federally funded activities that support Nevada’s higher education institutions.  While the full scope of these impacts is not yet clear, NSHE is actively assessing how this pause may affect our institutions and the communities we serve.

Students with specific questions about financial aid are encouraged to contact their campus financial aid office for assistance. Faculty and staff with broader concerns are encouraged to engage with their campus leadership, who are working in partnership with NSHE to respond to these developments.

Working with the institutional presidents, we will continue to provide the leadership, advocacy, and communication needed to address these challenges and protect the vital role our institutions play in shaping Nevada’s future.