Department of Education, U.S.

The Department of Education (ED) is one of the Cabinet offices of the United States Government responsible for oversight and enforcement of federal statutes regarding education. The office serves to ensure equal access to education and support student achievement. While responsible for oversight of the entire education pipeline, their role in higher education can be narrowed to five core functions: (1) establishing federal regulation and monitoring compliance, (2) administering federal financial aid, (3) data collection and research, (4) enforcing anti-discrimination laws and providing equal access, and (5) identifying national education issues and recommending reforms. These functions are primarily housed under the Office of the Under Secretary. The following sections provide an overview of ED’s history, mission, structure, and role in higher education via the five ...