Seattle-area college students return to schools roiled by federal cutbacks

As Seattle-area college students head back to campus this week and next, most return to schools grappling with political and financial pressure from the Trump administration.

At the University of Washington, which receives more federal research funds than any other public institution, federal grant cutbacks are projected to potentially slash that funding by one-third this fiscal year, university analysts warn, and potentially cost the equivalent of more than 1,700 full-time jobs.

Most of the threatened or canceled research involves public health issues, like disparities in health conditions and outcomes, infectious diseases, and global health.

The UW is also facing the possible loss of funding for longstanding programs like one that recruits and supports students from migrant families.

Community colleges are getting squeezed, too.

At Bellevue College, the region's largest, four federal block grants have been delayed for months, including one that funds career and technical education.

Bellevue College has also had to delay some fall classes until later in the school year, said spokesperson Raechel Dawson, because faculty were unable to develop curricula or receive training over the summer while the funding was outstanding.

Green River College, in Auburn, lost two grants worth $3 million, including one for first-generation and low-income students that it’s received for 30 years, said spokesperson Philip Denman.

“Together, these programs served hundreds of students each year, including the 30% of our student body who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander, and who benefited from tutoring, textbook access, faculty support, and emergency aid," Denman said.

Along with grant cancellations, schools are also dealing with increased federal scrutiny of international student visas, which colleges say has hindered visa applications and led some students to study in other countries, instead.

At Shoreline Community College, international enrollment is down 11% overall, with 25% fewer new international students, said Samira Pardanani, associate vice president of international education and global engagement.

Correction 9/29/25 11:54 am: The original version of this story misspelled Raechel Dawson's first name.