How Would a Government Shutdown Affect Higher Education?

If Congress fails to pass a stopgap-spending bill today and the government shuts down, the immediate effect on colleges and students will be minimal according to the Department of Education.

Programs using mandatory or multiyear funding from a prior year would continue to operate through a government shutdown. Obligations and payments that will continue to be met include Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans. Programs that have received funding from federal grants also can continue their work, however cash flow could be significantly hampered if a shutdown lasts more than a week.

Read additional coverage on the Chronicle of Higher Education website.