White House offers funding advantage to colleges that sign ‘Compact for Academic Excellence’

Published October 2, 2025 8:37am ET



The White House issued a proposal on Wednesday promising leading universities special treatment if they agree to comply with several terms from the Trump administration. 

Washington sent letters outlining the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” to nine schools. If they agree to sign the 10-point compact, the universities could be given priority for “multiple positive benefits,” including invitations to White House events, talks with officials, and “substantial” federal grants when possible. 

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