The Pentagon marked 33 universities as 'moderate' or 'high' risk. Here are the schools on the leaked list.
Business Insider
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Pentagon has identified 33 universities as "moderate" or "high" risk for military education programs, according to an internal Army email that leaked last week. The Department of Defense (DoD) has already severed ties with Harvard University, labeling it "fully off limits," and is reviewing other institutions, though no specific criteria for these assessments have been provided. This move could significantly impact tuition assistance and other programs for military students, forcing them to consider alternative educational pathways.
The leaked email lists prominent universities, including Ivy League schools like Columbia, Cornell, and Yale, as well as other notable institutions such as Duke, MIT, and Stanford. While the Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the full list, an Army spokesperson stated that additional schools are under review. The decision to cut ties with Harvard was explicitly tied to concerns about its reputation as a "red-hot center of Hate America activism," according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The implications of these changes extend beyond education, potentially affecting partnerships between military institutions and top-tier universities. High-performing service members often pursue advanced degrees in fields like law, business, STEM, and international relations through competitive programs at these schools. The Pentagon's reevaluation could disrupt access to these opportunities, forcing students to seek alternative institutions for their professional development.
While the DoD has not provided clear reasons for designating certain universities as risky, the decision has caught many by surprise. Universities, professors, and service members have expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of transparency in this process. The email also mentions that public schools are under review, though no specific institutions were listed.
For business readers, this development highlights the potential long-term impacts on military recruitment, education, and retention strategies. Cutting ties with prestigious universities could affect the quality of professional training for military personnel and may have broader implications for the defense industry's partnerships with academic institutions. As the Pentagon continues its review, military students are advised to prepare alternative plans for their educational and career goals.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/19/2026