Exploring President Biden’s Impact on Higher Education: Key Policies and Their Legacy

Former President Joe Biden recently handed over the presidency to Donald Trump, leaving behind a mixed legacy in higher education policy. Law professor Lucas Powe shared insights on what Biden achieved and where he faced challenges.

One of Biden’s notable efforts was a student debt relief plan aimed at lifting financial burdens off many borrowers. He proposed forgiving up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients based on need and up to $10,000 for others earning less than $125,000. Unfortunately, in June 2023, the Supreme Court struck down this plan, raising questions about whether a president can forgive such large debts without Congress’s approval.

Powe stated, “I doubt the authority of the President to forgive billions of dollars in debt. That power should belong to Congress.” After the court’s decision, the Biden administration rolled out a new repayment plan called Saving on a Valuable Education. This plan cut monthly payments in half and allowed for faster loan forgiveness—after just 10 years instead of 20.

As Biden’s term drew to a close, he decided to withdraw a new debt relief proposal that could have helped over 30 million Americans. With time running out, the administration opted to focus on other relief options instead.

In total, Biden’s policies cancelled student debt for over five million people during his presidency. This move aimed to address the significant challenge of student loans in the U.S.

Biden’s initiatives also aimed to protect civil rights. His administration made changes to Title IX, expanding the definition of discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. However, a federal judge overturned this rule in January 2024 after several states challenged the expansion. In December 2024, the administration withdrew a proposal aimed at banning blanket bans on transgender athletes in school sports.

Antonio Ingram, a senior counsel with the Legal Defense Fund, noted these efforts reflected a greater goal of promoting equity for marginalized communities. He emphasized that while there has been pushback against civil rights initiatives, the desire for change remains strong.

The Biden administration’s other notable actions included increasing the Pell Grant, investing in historically black colleges and universities, and requiring schools to provide more information about costs and benefits to students.

Overall, Biden’s actions left a legacy that suggests significant change is achievable. Ingram believes that a collective commitment to justice will continue to drive progress in the future.