The Department of Education mainly sets national education priorities, manages federal education funding and student aid, protects students’ civil rights, and collects data and research to guide policy.

Core mission

The Department of Education’s core mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to quality education across the country. It does this mostly through funding, regulation, and research, not by running local schools directly.

What it actually does day to day

  • Sets policies for federal education programs and financial aid, like student loans, grants, and work-study for college.
  • Distributes and oversees billions in federal funds to states, districts, and colleges, especially programs like Title I for low‑income students.
  • Enforces civil rights laws in schools and colleges, addressing discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and more.
  • Collects and publishes data on graduation rates, test scores, and other indicators so policymakers and the public can see how schools are doing.
  • Funds and coordinates education research to improve teaching, learning, and educational technology.

What it does NOT do

  • It does not write specific classroom curricula or choose textbooks for local schools; those decisions are mostly made by states and local districts.
  • It does not directly run K–12 schools or universities, which are operated by states, districts, and independent institutions.

Why it matters to you

  • If you or your family use federal student loans, Pell Grants, or other aid, those programs are designed and overseen by the Department of Education.
  • If a student faces discrimination or denial of equal access at a school that receives federal funds, the Department can investigate and enforce protections.
  • Its funding decisions and research can shape class sizes, support services, and educational opportunities in your local schools over time.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.