Will Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze affect federal student loans?

Students and parents found themselves in a wind of confusion earlier this week after news broke about a federal spending pause. Social media lit up with concern that Pell Grants, student loans, and other forms of federal education funding might be in jeopardy. But the U.S. Department of Education quickly stepped in to clear up the panic.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department assured the public that federal student aid, including Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs, would not be impacted. “The temporary pause does not impact assistance received directly by individuals,” said Madison Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Department of Education.

The confusion stemmed from the language used in the spending memo, which referred to funds “received directly” by individuals. The U.S. Department of Education confirmed federal student aid, including Pell Grants and loans, won’t be impacted by the spending pause. However, the Department confirmed that all Pell Grants, loans, and work-study funds would continue without delays.

Persis Yu, deputy executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, expressed frustration with the chaos caused by the memo. “Millions of students are waiting for disbursements of their federal aid so they can continue their education, eat, and keep a roof over their heads,” she said. “Wielding this fear is an abuse of power.”

While the situation has been clarified for students relying on Pell Grants and federal loans, there’s still uncertainty about funding for graduate-level research. Programs funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health often provide stipends and grants to graduate students, and it’s unclear whether those funds will be affected by the broader spending pause.

For now, students relying on federal aid to get through the semester can breathe a sigh of relief. The Department of Education’s confirmation offers stability during a critical time for many families. Still, this incident highlights how vital clear communication is when it comes to federal policies that directly affect people’s lives.

With the spring semester already underway, students and parents alike are grateful for the reassurance that their aid will arrive as planned, allowing them to focus on classes and their goals for the future.