The Trump administration is offering a new kind of deal to nine well-known universities across the country. These schools have been invited to sign a government agreement that could give them advantages in receiving federal money. But to get these benefits, the schools must follow several new rules.
The proposal is called the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” It was sent to schools like Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, MIT, Vanderbilt, USC, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Virginia, and the University of Arizona. These schools were picked because the administration believes they are willing to make changes.
The main idea behind the compact is to promote fairness, free speech, and stronger academic standards. In return for following the agreement, these schools would be more likely to receive federal grants and be invited to events with White House officials. However, the grants would still be open to all schools—signing the compact just gives these universities a better chance at getting them.
One key rule in the compact is that schools must stop the use of racial preferences in admissions. This follows a broader push by the Trump administration to make college admissions more merit-based. The compact also requires schools to freeze tuition prices for five years, which could help students and families struggling with the rising cost of college.
Other rules in the agreement include limiting international student enrollment at the undergraduate level to no more than 15%, requiring SAT scores for admission, and addressing grade inflation. The schools would also have to remain politically neutral as institutions and allow free and open debate on campus. Departments that are seen as hostile to conservative viewpoints could be shut down under the agreement.
To ensure schools follow the rules, each university must hire an independent auditor. If a school breaks the rules after signing the agreement, it could be forced to return some of the federal funds it received. However, no school is required to sign the compact, and schools that decline will not be punished—they just won’t get the extra benefits.
This move signals a shift in how the federal government is handling higher education policy. In the past, many universities received federal funding without having to meet strict conditions. Now, the Trump administration is using that funding as a tool to encourage changes in how universities work—especially when it comes to fairness, free speech, and keeping costs down.
Some of the schools offered the deal have already had problems with the administration. For example, the University of Pennsylvania recently reached a settlement with the Department of Education over Title IX violations. Brown University lost over $500 million in federal grants earlier this year after it was found to be promoting antisemitic actions and using unlawful DEI programs.
The compact also aims to limit the influence of political activism that has been growing on college campuses. By requiring schools to stay neutral and protect all viewpoints, the administration says it wants to bring back open debate and reduce the punishment of students and faculty who hold conservative views.
Critics may argue that this approach gives the federal government too much power over how schools operate. Others may see it as a way to bring balance and accountability to institutions that have long leaned in one political direction. Either way, the proposal marks a new chapter in the relationship between colleges and the federal government.
If this compact gains traction, more schools could be invited to join in the future. For now, the first nine universities must decide whether to accept the terms and take the deal—or continue on their own without the added support from Washington. The outcome will likely shape how other universities respond and could set the tone for higher education policy in the coming years.
