What does the Department of Education do?
The Department of Education (Education Department, ED) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing education policy and administering funding for programs and individuals. The department's functions include supporting state and local education systems, promoting educational equity for all students, and providing grants and loans to higher education institutions and students. It was established in 1980 after the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized into separate entities.
$268B
4.0%
How much does the Department of Education spend?
The Department of Education accounted for 4.0% of all federal spending in FY 2024.
Share of ED net spending compared to the top ten highest spending agencies in FY 2024
The Department of Education’s federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.
Yearly federal net spending by ED, adjusted for inflation (2024 dollars), FYs 1980–2024
The Department of Education’s share of federal spending in FY 2024 was higher than in FY 1980.
Percentage of federal budget dedicated to ED, FYs 1980–2024
How did the Department of Education spend its budget in 2024?
Federal government net spending isolated to ED, FY 2024
The Department of Education's highest-spending division is the Office of Federal Student Aid.
ED net spending by division, FY 2024
Read related content about the Department of Education:
- How the federal government supports education: The Department of Education (ED) is just one federal entity supporting students. Other agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and even the VA, support students, primarily with funding or specialized programs.
- What IES is and what it does: The Institute of Education Sciences funds education research and disseminates findings and statistics about education in the US.
How many people work for the Department of Education?
The number of federal employees working for the Department of Education has increased 6.5% since 2010.
Number of federal employees working for ED, September 2010–2024
Who leads the Department of Education?
The Department of Education is led by the secretary of Education, who is nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and then sworn into office. The secretary of education is a cabinet-level position, making them one of the 15 members who serve at the discretion of the president. The position typically ends when the appointee resigns, is replaced, or when a new president takes office and appoints their own cabinet. Some secretaries may serve temporarily during administrative transitions.
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
Office of Personnel Management
FedScope
Office of Management and Budget and US Department of the Treasury
Budget of the US Government and Monthly Treasury Statement