U.S. Department of Education Releases Seven Priorities Under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education

The U.S. Department of Education today unveiled seven priorities under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) for the FY 2025 competition. These priorities will support four areas of national need, including: expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), protecting and promoting civil discourse on college and university campuses, encouraging accreditation reform, and building capacity for high-quality short-term programs.

"Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing a transformative shift in higher education, one that is setting a new course for a brighter future. From restoring freedom of speech and fostering viewpoint diversity, to reimagining an archaic accreditation system and prioritizing workforce-driven programs, there is a growing recognition that bold, seismic change is essential to restoring confidence in our Nation's higher education system," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "These priorities will ensure that grantees have the resources needed to build on our Administration's successes and support initiatives that will continue to enhance the educational experience for all students."

The Notice Inviting Applications for the FIPSE competition has been published in the Federal Register. The Department expects to make awards by December 31, 2025.

Artificial Intelligence ($50M):

The area of national need focusing on AI is divided into two priorities that leverage AI technology to improve student outcomes.

• The Advancing AI to Improve Educational Outcomes of Postsecondary Students priority will support projects that use AI to enhance teaching, learning, and student success in education.
• The Ensuring Future Educators and Students Have Foundational Exposure to AI and Computer Science priority will support projects that broaden access to AI and expand computer science course offerings.

Civil Discourse ($60M):

The area of national need focusing on civil discourse will award grants under one absolute priority, Promoting Civil Discourse on College and University Campuses, which will support initiatives to foster respectful deliberation and debate on college and university campuses, where free expression has too long been eroded by censorship, harassment, and even violent unrest. This priority will support civil discourse through activities such as seminars, speaker series, conferences, debates, and other learning opportunities that include a range of viewpoints and encourage dialogue.

Accreditation ($7M):

The area of national need focusing on accreditation reform is divided into two priorities that address barriers to switching institutional accreditors and creating new accrediting agencies.

• The Supporting Institutions in Changing Accrediting Agencies priority will directly support college and university efforts to change their current accrediting agency but are currently hindered by prohibitive costs.
• The Supporting the Creation of New Accrediting Agencies priority will support the development and launch of new accrediting agencies, introducing much-needed competition and providing institutions with more choices.

Short-Term Programs ($50M):

The area of national need focusing on high quality short-term programs is divided into two priorities that support the creation and expansion of workforce aligned academic programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• The Creation of New High-Quality Short-Term Programs priority will directly support the development of new programs that meet the eligibility requirements of the Workforce Pell Grants program.
• The Expansion of Existing High-Quality Short-Term Programs priority will directly support the expansion of existing short-term programs.

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