The Trump administration has promised to eliminate the Department of Education, shifting more responsibility back to the states. States already have significant control over education — particularly when it comes to setting standards and deciding on curriculum, but eliminating the department would have major repercussions for college students.

While actually shuttering the department would require an act of Congress, the president's promises and recent actions in office—including signing a flurry of legally dubious Executive Orders—have left borrowers confused and worried.

President Trump could order the U.S. Department of Education to shut down. Jill Schlesinger has tips for student loan borrowers if that happens.