Higher education is central to the American story. From the founding of the first colleges in the colonial era to the rise of modern universities during the past two centuries, higher education has been a constant force in the development of our country. It remains the essential engine of innovation and opportunity, an asset that sets the United States apart from all other nations.
Higher education is also facing unprecedented challenges: deep and sudden cuts in research funding; abrupt demands to shut down programs that reflect and respond to the extraordinary diversity of America; and more. The time is ripe for a campaign to shape the public narrative about our value to the country. With urgency, we must assert:
Higher Education Builds America.
Sometimes, elected officials, other policymakers, and opinion leaders from across the political spectrum lose sight of that enduring truth. We must remind and persuade them that higher education is not elitist, out of touch, lacking in value, and disconnected from the concerns of ordinary Americans—far from it.
As America seeks to compete in the global economy and maintain national security, we know the key to unlocking our nation’s potential is to strengthen and utilize our world-leading colleges and universities. They are community colleges, liberal arts colleges, regional universities, and research universities. They are public and private, large and small, online and in person, rural and urban. Many are faith-based, historically Black, Hispanic-serving, women-focused, or Tribal. All build the workforce. All build our regional economies. All build ideas and innovation. All build our culture, arts, and humanity. All build real opportunity and fuel the promise of America.
The American Council on Education (ACE) launched the
#HigherEdBuildsAmerica campaign in October 2024 with a
full-page advertisement in The New York Times. It was an
open letter to both major presidential candidates, pledging to work with the election winner to innovate and advance opportunity for all Americans. We also pledged to deliver results.
ACE remains ready and willing to work with President Trump now that he has taken office. In response to recent government actions and proposals, we are committed to defending federally funded research, preserving academic freedom at colleges and universities and supporting vital student aid programs. We believe the nation must fortify—not weaken—the partnership between the federal government and higher education.