Education Secretary Linda McMahon Visits Montana State University
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Bozeman, Montana, on March 15, 2024, engaging with local business owners and students at Montana State University (MSU). Accompanied by Governor Greg Gianforte, McMahon’s visit was part of her national “Returning Education to the States Tour,” aimed at reinforcing local education initiatives following a controversial executive order signed by President Donald Trump to restructure the Department of Education.
During her tour, which includes all 50 states, McMahon highlighted the federal funding streams that support education for low-income and special-needs students. She assured attendees that federal funds for programs such as Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would continue to reach Montana “regardless of which agency they go through.”
Gianforte noted that while federal funding is crucial, it often comes with administrative burdens and represents a smaller portion of district budgets when compared to state and local funding. He emphasized that, although elementary and secondary education may not rely heavily on federal dollars, higher education institutions and college students significantly benefit from them.
In a discussion about financial aid, McMahon addressed the recent federal funding legislation known as the “Big, Beautiful, Bill,” which caps graduate student loans at approximately $50,000. McMahon expressed concerns that many students may graduate with debt levels that exceed their earning potential. “By capping it, one of the goals is to create downward pressure on universities to help reduce their costs,” she stated. The total student debt in the United States currently stands at a staggering $1.7 trillion.
Gianforte concurred with McMahon, pointing out that students are increasingly anxious about education costs, whether they pursue traditional four-year degrees or certificate programs. He advocated for maintaining scholarship funding while also working to enhance the efficiency of educational expenditures. “We have to consider the expense side of the ledger without compromising quality,” he said.
As a potential solution, Gianforte highlighted the Montana University System’s “one-two-free” dual enrollment program. This initiative allows high school students to earn college credits at no cost, which can significantly reduce their overall college expenses. “We have high school graduates now starting college with a backpack full of college credits,” he noted.
Tage Olson, a student at Gallatin College, shared his perspective on affordability as the primary reason for his choice of institution. He expressed a desire to graduate with minimal debt while studying cybersecurity, an area known for competitive starting salaries, which could help him repay any loans swiftly.
The roundtable discussion also featured leaders from Bozeman’s technology and manufacturing sectors, including representatives from Aurora Innovation and Johnson Metal Works. They spoke about the importance of local specialized certificate programs, indicating that they often compete for skilled candidates. “That’s why you’re on opposite sides of the table,” Tessman humorously remarked, addressing the audience.
The event included contributions from Superintendent Hedalen and Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian, who reinforced the commitment to improving educational pathways and outcomes for students in Montana. McMahon’s visit underscores the need for ongoing dialogue between federal, state, and local education stakeholders to address the challenges of affordability and access in higher education.
