FOX58 (Eye Witness) News TV Interview with Dr. Shaan Patel

President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. It’s a bold move, one that could reshape how our schools operate, how states fund education—and how millions of students access financial aid.

As the founder of Prep Expert and someone who’s spent the last 15 years helping families navigate college admissions and financial aid, I want to walk you through what this could mean for your student—and how to prepare for what’s ahead.

Because while change is coming, there’s a way to stay ahead of it.

First, What Just Happened?

President Trump’s executive order is the first official step toward dismantling the Department of Education, a federal agency that currently manages:

• Student loans and Pell Grants
• Enforcement of Title IX and civil rights in schools
• National curriculum guidelines and standardized testing frameworks
• Data collection and research on school performance

Under the order, key responsibilities—like testing and funding—would be returned to the states. Other functions, like managing federal student aid, may be relocated to agencies like the Treasury or Small Business Administration​.

And while this process isn’t immediate—it would still require Congressional approval to fully shut down the department—it’s created real concern for students, parents, and educators nationwide.

Will Student Loans Disappear?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The biggest question I hear from families is this:

“If the Department of Education shuts down, will FAFSA and student loans disappear?”

The short answer? No.

Even if the agency closes, the Office of Federal Student Aid, which administers FAFSA, loans, and Pell Grants, is still likely to continue operating—just from a different place.

Here’s why:

• The federal government manages $1.7 trillion in student loans. That’s not going away overnight.
• These loans are guaranteed by Congress, and it would take an act of Congress to eliminate them​.
• Most likely, student aid will be reassigned to another agency, such as the Department of the Treasury or become a standalone office​.

That said, families should brace for temporary disruptions—slower disbursements, processing delays, or customer service backlogs.

Why Some Support the Move—and What Critics Say

Supporters of this plan argue that education is best handled at the local level. Every state—and even every district—has unique needs, demographics, and educational challenges. Federal mandates, they say, can stifle innovation and create a one-size-fits-none system.

As someone who believes in federalism in education, I agree that many decisions are best made by local educators, not Washington bureaucrats. But I also understand the other side of the debate.

Critics worry that eliminating the Department of Education could lead to:

• Inconsistent educational standards across states
• Weakened civil rights protections, especially around Title IX enforcement
• Widened inequality, as wealthier states may offer better resources than others

Both perspectives are valid. The key is to ensure that while decentralizing decision-making, we don’t lose the guardrails that protect students’ rights and equal access to opportunity.

What Should Students and Parents Do Right Now?

Whether you’re applying to college this year or still early in the planning process, here’s how to stay ahead during this period of uncertainty:

1. Keep Filing the FAFSA

The form is still active. The Office of Federal Student Aid is still running. And federal aid is still being distributed. Apply early—federal aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Diversify Your College Funding Strategy

Don’t rely solely on FAFSA. Explore:

• State-based aid programs
• Private scholarships (websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and Bold.org are great starting points)
• Institutional scholarships from the colleges themselves
• 529 savings plans and tuition assistance from employers or nonprofits

3. Prepare for More Competitive Admissions

As more families realize that elite colleges are now offering free tuition to middle-income families (Harvard, MIT, UT Austin, etc.), applications to those schools are surging. Acceptance rates could drop even further​.

That means students need to stand out more than ever—especially since test scores are back. Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, and others have reinstated the SAT and ACT as admissions requirements.

If you want to maximize your odds, take the SAT or ACT, and prep strategically. Strong scores are one of the best ways to earn merit-based scholarships and distinguish yourself from other high-GPA applicants.

Education at Home: Why Parental Involvement Matters More Than Ever

If federal oversight fades, the burden of educational quality will shift further to states—and ultimately, to families.

For many parents, that’s a scary thought. But it can also be an opportunity.

I’ve said this in multiple interviews: we can’t rely on schools alone anymore. Luckily, we live in a time where supplemental education is more accessible than ever:

• YouTube and Prep Expert offer free and affordable lessons across critical academic areas
• ChatGPT and other AI tools can help students get instant feedback and tutoring
• Prep Expert online courses provide structured, proven strategies for SAT/ACT prep and college admissions success

In short: take control. Guide your child’s learning. Expose them to resources outside the classroom. That’s how you future-proof their education—no matter what happens in Washington.

What’s Next?

Even with the executive order signed, the Department of Education can’t fully shut down without Congressional approval. That means months (or even years) of hearings, debates, and transition planning.

In the meantime, families should prepare for:

• Delays in FAFSA or aid disbursement
• State-by-state changes to curriculum or testing
• Ongoing uncertainty about who handles what in education policy

But again, this isn’t a reason to panic. It’s a reason to stay informed and proactive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a student or parent feeling uncertain right now, I get it. It’s easy to feel powerless when federal agencies are in flux and policies are shifting.

But here’s what I want you to remember:

You don’t need to control the system—you just need to navigate it better than anyone else.

Fill out the FAFSA early. Apply for scholarships wide and often. Prep for the SAT or ACT with intention. And don’t be afraid to build your own educational support system outside of school.

Because while the Department of Education may be dismantled, your child’s future is still fully in your hands.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert, a leading education company that has helped over 100,000 students earn higher test scores, scholarships, and admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about making elite education accessible to all.