The Education Department is the sixth highest-funded federal agency

President Trump recently signed an executive order to eliminate the Department of Education (ED) — so let's look at the facts. 

Founded in 1980, the Department of Education primarily funds student financial aid and K-12 programs.

It’s the sixth highest-funded federal agency, receiving 4% of all federal funding in 2024 — totaling $268.35 billion. 

It’s also the smallest of any cabinet-level department with 4,100 full-time employees in 2023. 

Most ED funds go toward student financial aid ($160.69B), with two main programs supporting college students: Pell Grants and the federal student loan program.