Department of Education Proposes Funding Cuts for Underperforming College Programs
The Department of Education is implementing a new policy that could cut federal funding for college programs whose graduates do not earn more than individuals without a degree. This 'do no harm' rule, part of the 2025 Republican-passed One Big Beautiful Bill, targets undergraduate and graduate programs that fail to meet income thresholds for graduates. Programs that do not meet these standards for two out of three years, starting in 2027, risk losing access to federal student loans. The policy aims to hold educational institutions accountable for the financial success of their graduates, with the Department estimating that most programs will meet the criteria. However, certain fields, particularly in the arts and education, may struggle to comply.