President Robert L. Manuel > Notes from Rob > 2024-25 > Federal grant and loan freeze information

Federal grant and loan freeze information

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students, 


Yesterday, Jan. 27, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a memo ordering a temporary freeze on all federal grants and loans, effective today at 4 p.m. We know this news is causing concern. We wanted to offer the following assurance to our university community:  

We are reassured that according to a statement [fsapartners.ed.gov]issued by the U.S. Department of Education and reported in media outlets, [nytimes.com] the pause on federal spending does not apply to student loans or Pell grants. Multiple media outlets have reported: 
  • The Department of Education does not expect a delay in Pell grants or individual student loans.  
  • The Department of Education anticipates funding for the federal work-study program, which helps support campus jobs, also will continue.   

DePaul will continue to support all our students - and our university community - to the best of our ability. Student financial aid will continue to be processed and certified without disruption.  

We are assessing how this freeze will affect federal research grants at DePaul. We will work directly with the affected faculty and share more information when available.  

We remain in constant contact with government officials, including the Attorney General of Illinois, so that we can fully understand the long-term impact this federal freeze will have on our university community. We will keep you updated as we gain additional information.  

As a Catholic, Vincentian university, we are called to care for one another, especially in times of uncertainty. Let us continue to support each other with empathy, compassion, and a shared commitment to the dignity and well-being of every member of our community. Together, we will navigate these challenges and remain steadfast in our mission to provide our students with access to a high-quality, transformative education.   

Sincerely,  

Robert L. Manuel 
President 

Salma Ghanem
Provost 

Sherri Sidler 
Executive Vice President and CFO 

​​