How long can America’s colleges and universities survive Trump’s ‘chaos tax’?
Preview:
The House proposed tax on college endowments has drawn considerable attention. Critics have rightly noted that it would effectively tax student scholarships as well as undermine donor intent, and lacks a clear public policy rationale.
While this tax targets only the wealthiest institutions, every college and university in the country is paying a different kind of price — what I call a “chaos tax.” This refers to the unfunded time, energy and expense required to respond to the administration’s attacks on higher education, along with its onslaught of confusing policy proposals and demands. That the federal government would so recklessly jeopardize the future of American colleges and universities is mind-boggling.
Originally published: June 6, 2025
Author: Marjorie Hass
Position: President
Institution: Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)
Published by: The Hill