ACE Survey: Majority of College Presidents “Extremely Concerned” About Federal Policy Direction

​Nearly three-quarters of college presidents (74 percent) say they are "extremely concerned" about the current administration's impact on higher education, according to ACE's Pulse Point survey, released today.

The survey also revealed that 65 percent of senior leaders were either moderately or extremely concerned about immigration restrictions and visa revocations, while 77 percent expressed similar concerns about state and federal policy involvement in academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

"These survey findings make clear that many of the most pressing concerns for senior leaders heading into the new academic year stem from actions taken or proposed by the current administration," the report's authors write, adding that policies that undermine research, curtail global engagement, and threaten the sector's foundations "draw focus away from the core mission of postsecondary education."

ACE's Pulse Point surveys capture higher education leaders' views on the most pressing issues facing higher education. The latest survey, conducted July 28-August 8, asked 517 senior leaders about their top concerns for the 2025-26 academic year, the impact of recent executive and legislative actions, and their plans for adopting artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.

More than half of presidents expressed either "extreme concern" (21 percent) or "moderate concern" (31 percent) about complying with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Respondents said a primary concern is the lack of information on how these policies will be implemented.

"Still learning what the compliance issues will be," one president said. "Concerned about Pell grants and very concerned about the impact of other provisions of the OBBB on our state's budget and ability to adequately fund public higher education and financial aid for students."

When asked to consider a list of 12 issues, senior leaders expressed the greatest concern about public perceptions of the value of college, with eight in 10 reporting moderate (37 percent) or extreme (43 percent) concern. Two-thirds reported moderate (44 percent) or extreme (21 percent) concern about student mental health and well-being, while half cited long-term financial viability remains as a top concern.

Generative AI also emerged as another front-of-mind issue. One in four respondents (25 percent) reported that their institution has already adopted AI tools for student support, and another 65 percent plan to do so within two years. Nearly nine in 10 senior leaders said ethics is extremely (25 percent), very (42 percent), or moderately (36 percent) influential in decisions about adopting AI technologies.

Access detailed survey results here.