The U.S. Department of Education has largely eliminated positions dedicated to preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, raising concerns about increased vulnerability to scams targeting college students. This development coincides with a crackdown on foreign students under the Trump administration, which threatens the viability of 16 struggling colleges. Meanwhile, older Americans are facing a surge in financial scams, with individuals aged 60 and above losing $700 million in 2024 alone. Losses exceeding $100,000 per individual have increased by 710% since 2020, with some seniors reportedly depleting their bank accounts and retirement savings. Advocacy groups such as AARP are actively working to protect seniors from these growing threats. Additionally, critics argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have undermined the value of college degrees, diminishing demand for higher education outside elite institutions and posing existential challenges to the sector.