Most Education Department spending directly supports students

In a recent podcast, Rep. Harriet Hageman claimed that less than 25% of the federal Education Department's budget, which is around $280 billion, actually goes toward educating students. However, this statement has been fact-checked and found to be false. Current budget figures indicate that a substantial majority of the Education Department's spending directly benefits students. For the year 2024, at least 71% of the budget is allocated for grants and loans, such as Pell grants for low-income students and student loans that must be paid back. In addition, approximately 25% of the Education Department’s budget supports states, tribes, and local school districts, specifically for K-12 education. Federal funding plays a crucial role in financing schools, especially those serving low-income communities and students with disabilities. Federal aid is crucial for many public schools, helping to bridge gaps created by local funding methods, such as property taxes. The report also noted that without federal assistance, many schools would struggle to meet the needs of students, particularly those with disabilities. Further analysis suggests that when combining various funding categories, as much as 90% of the department's budget could be contributing to student education. This information challenges Hageman's claim and highlights the federal government's significant role in supporting education. PolitiFact has rated Hageman’s statement as false, confirming that the majority of the Education Department’s budget is indeed used to educate students.