The Department of Education operates a range of aid programs for elementary and secondary schools. The aid and related regulations have generally failed to lift academic achievement. The department also subsidizes higher education through student loans and grants. Unfortunately, that aid has fueled inflation in college tuition and is subject to widespread abuse. The department will spend $108 billion in 2019, or $850 for every U.S. household. It employs 4,000 workers and operates more than 110 different subsidy programs.