Department of Education finalizes student loan rule, “professional degree” definition

The Department of Education’s final “Reimagining and Improving Student Education” rule, published last week, does not add to or change its narrow definition of degree programs that are considered professional.

However, in the rule’s preamble, the department expanded upon the nature of the term “professional degree” and further clarified its narrow use in the context of student loan purposes. The department also clearly stated that degrees not defined as “professional” are not of any lesser worth.

“As we said from the start — accounting is a profession,” said Elizabeth Belleville, the AICPA’s director of state society relations, in an email to the state societies. “We will continue to work to ensure that it is considered as such.” Learn more about this issue.