The Department of Education operates a wide range of subsidy programs for elementary and secondary schools. The aid and related federal regulations have not generally lifted academic achievement. The department also subsidizes higher education through student loan programs. Unfortunately, that aid has fueled inflation in college tuition and is subject to widespread abuse.
The department spent about $48 billion in 2013, or $400 for every U.S. household. It employs 4,300 workers and operates 153 different subsidy programs.
www.downsizinggovernment.org/education