Clarity in Professional Degree Act

(1) The Department of Education modified the definition of professional degree programs eligible for Federal student aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), removing many health, education, and graduate credentials from the list of definitions at the detriment of students with disabilities.

(2) This reclassification is part of a new student loan policy and is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.

(3) Students in affected programs could now lose their qualification for such Federal student aid programs which experts fear would exacerbate workforce shortages. These fields are the foundation of the United States economy, ensuring that the Nation remains safe, educated, and healthy.

(1) in clause (ii), by striking, as defined under section 668.2 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph),; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

In this paragraph, the term professional degree has the meaning given the term in section 668.2 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph), except that such term also includes the following degrees:

(I) Nursing (A.D.N., R.N., or B.S.N.).

(II) Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.).

(III) Physical Therapy (D.P.T.).

(IV) Social Work (M.S.W.).

(V) Accounting (MAcc).

(VI) Architecture (M.Arch.).

(VII) Special and Secondary Education (M.Ed., M.S.Ed., or M.A.T.).

(VIII) Music Education (M.S. or M.M.E.).

(IX) World Languages (M.Ed.).

(X) Public Health (M.P.H.).