The Big Beautiful Bill and its effects on college students

President Donald Trump's second term in office has been nothing short of tumultuous.

- By JADEN DEGRUY Special to the AmNews

Since January, Trump has already issued a litany of executive orders and used military force to legitimize his power, among other measures, to demonstrate his authority to the country. He's still not done, though.

On Friday, July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. A highly controversial bill, it seeks to make significant changes, including to taxes, health care, and federal funding. These changes will affect those not from wealthier backgrounds. Low-income communities will be severely hampered by cuts to programs such as Medicaid, which provides health care services to families with not enough money; and SNAP, which provides food stamps to people who cannot afford their groceries.

One group that is poised to be significantly affected is college students. Moreover, a lot of what's written in this bill will take effect in a year or two, thus putting people's futures at risk.

"That's what I'm more worried about personally," said Derrick Barnes, a 19-year-old rising junior attending American University. "I do have the intention of seeking higher education for a master's in public policy in law school, but I'm worried that the cost of tuition won't become any cheaper." Graduate school is not cheap, costing hundreds of thousands for a two-year program. To alleviate those costs, loans are a method of paying off a portion of tuition.