It is a consequence of funding instability,” The Graduate School wrote last month in comments submitted to the federal government. ‘Smaller entering classes’Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, universities around the country have faced threats to their federal research funding. Outside of federal funding, doctoral students can also receive money from teaching assistantships or external fellowships. Beyond direct monetary assistance for students, federal funding also goes toward infrastructure and equipment needs that are necessary for doctoral research. Kruse said this shift forced later-stage doctoral students to fill limited TA roles, which are typically reserved for first- or second-year doctoral students.