Professional Student Degree Act

Bill Number: H.R. 6718
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Education
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-12-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T08:05:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718) aims to update and clarify the definition of a "professional degree" in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). This change ensures that a broader range of advanced degrees leading to professional practice are recognized under federal law, likely to improve access to federal student aid for students in these programs.

Key Provisions

Amendment to HEA Section 455(a)(4)(C): This section, which relates to federal student loan programs (such as subsidized and unsubsidized loans), is revised to include a new statutory definition of "professional degree."
Definition of Professional Degree:
A degree that indicates completion of academic requirements to start practicing in a profession (where professional licensure is often required) and demonstrates a skill level higher than a standard bachelor's degree.
The U.S. Secretary of Education determines if a degree qualifies.
Specific Degrees Included: The definition explicitly lists numerous degrees, such as:
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Law (J.D. or LL.B.)
Medicine (M.D.) and Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Nursing (M.S.N., D.N.P., or Ph.D.)
Business Administration (M.B.A. or D.B.A.)
Education (M.A., M.Ed., etc.)
And others in fields like social work, physical therapy, public health, and accounting.
Flexibility Clause: Any other degree meeting the general criteria can be added by the Secretary of Education.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Removes the prior reliance on a specific regulatory definition from the Code of Federal Regulations (as of the law's enactment date), replacing it with a direct statutory definition in the HEA.
Expands the scope beyond traditional fields (e.g., medicine, law) to include emerging or allied health professions, business, education, and more, providing a more comprehensive and fixed list rather than one tied to changeable regulations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of Education will need to update its guidelines and processes for administering federal student aid programs, potentially increasing oversight to verify qualifying degrees but also streamlining eligibility determinations.
On Citizens: Students pursuing listed professional degrees may gain easier access to federal loans, deferments, or forgiveness options under programs like Direct Loans or Public Service Loan Forgiveness, reducing financial barriers to entering these careers. This could benefit a wider range of middle-income students in high-demand fields.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly support U.S. competitiveness in global professions by aiding domestic training in areas like healthcare and business.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Students and Borrowers: Primary beneficiaries, especially those in graduate or professional programs who rely on federal aid.
Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges offering these degrees, which may see increased enrollment due to improved aid availability.
Professional Associations: Groups in fields like nursing, education, and allied health, who may advocate for or benefit from broader recognition.
Federal Government: The Department of Education and loan servicers, responsible for implementation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens the HEA by embedding a clear, statutory definition, reducing ambiguity from regulatory changes and potential litigation over eligibility. It empowers the Secretary of Education with interpretive authority, which could lead to future administrative rules but ensures consistency.
Constitutional: No apparent issues; the bill aligns with Congress's authority under the Spending Clause to regulate federal education funding.
Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) to address rising education costs and workforce shortages in key sectors. It could spark debates on federal aid expansion versus fiscal responsibility, but focuses on clarifying existing programs without new spending mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (24)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]