The federal government officially began its most extended government shutdown at midnight on Oct 1. The government shut down when Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a bill to fund government services past Oct. 1.
When the government shuts down, essential services continue, but many non-essential government functions cease and “non-essential” employees are furloughed without pay. Public services are disrupted, such as park closures and delays in permits and inspections.
The economy is also negatively impacted and government contractors may be forced to furlough their own employees. Many individuals working in governmental positions are required to work without pay until new funding is approved.
However, this raises the question: what about college students? How does this affect us in higher education?
The government shutdown has numerous effects on college students, particularly in the event of prolonged shutdowns.
Research and federal grant funding are essential aspects of higher education. Although it is important to note that institutions that have already received grant funding should not face issues during a shutdown, they will not receive new grants or technical assistance from federal agencies. This means that individuals in higher education may not be able to access federal research facilities and face delays in international collaborations.
With a lack of funding in technology, a backlog of work can be created. Backlogs of proposal actions can lead to delays or cancellations for future research projects.
Research projects dependent on ongoing federal support may also face interruptions, hindering academic progress and innovation.
International students may also face the consequences of a government shutdown, as immigration services may not remain operational during such an event.
Government shutdowns can disrupt the processing of student visas and work authorizations, potentially delaying the enrollment or employment of international students. This can create uncertainty and stress for these students, as well as for the institutions that rely on their contributions to academic and research programs.
Student aid will not be affected if the government shutdown is only brief, as student aid dollars are typically disbursed at the beginning of the semester.
However, if the shutdown lasts longer, it could delay the processing of financial aid applications and disbursements, causing financial strain for students. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding government funding may impact institutional budgets, potentially affecting the availability of resources and support services for students.
Veteran students may be affected in the long run as they could experience delays in the processing of their Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Veteran students may experience delays in processing certifications, which can result in them not receiving their expected GI Bill payments on time.
GI Bill Benefits assist veterans in paying for school and cover living expenses while they train for a job. This bill has enabled veterans from rural areas and inner cities to pursue careers that previously seemed out of reach. If the government remains under a lengthy shutdown, these students could be significantly affected.
With this information in mind, students should fill out the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA application enables universities to determine eligibility for various federal and state financial aid programs, as well as institutional aid opportunities.
