Eight years ago, John McCain was the popular candidate on college campuses, his independent streak earning him enthusiastic support among students in his primary fight against George W. Bush.

This time around, the Republican who has made a name for himself as a maverick faces a formidable foe in Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee whose presidential bid has galvanized young voters.

But if Mr. McCain hopes to win over that key voting bloc, it seems unlikely that it will be by talking directly about college issues. As a candidate, he has rarely spoken about higher education, and it wasn’t until this August, 15 months after he entered the presidential race, that he released a policy statement on the topic. The document outlined general principles, like simplifying federal educational tax benefits and student-aid programs, while offering few details.

Still, the Arizona senator’s broader policy stances may ultimately have an impact on campuses. His pledge to rein in domestic discretionary spending, for example, worries some college officials, who note that higher-education budgets are often squeezed during such belt tightening. Meanwhile, some scientists are heartened by Mr. McCain’s interest in energy and climate change, which could lead to more federal support for research in those areas.

Mr. McCain’s 21-year U.S. Senate career also may hold clues about how he would govern. In the Senate, he played a prominent role in efforts to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws—a role that has come under much scrutiny during the campaign—and to expand national-service programs like AmeriCorps, which has not received the same attention.

See our profile of Senator McCain for more information about his record and views on higher education.