Want to Major in Theater? Don’t Expect a Student Loan

The US Department of Education is introducing a new standard to hold colleges accountable for their students' financial outcomes. The standard, referred to as the 'do no harm' standard, will measure whether students earn more after graduating from a program. To pass, the median earnings of students four years after graduation must be higher than the median earnings of those ages 25 to 34 with only a high school diploma. The standard will go into effect on July 1, 2026, and the first earnings test results will come out in 2027. Education policy experts say the standard addresses a key issue, although it sets the bar fairly low for programs to pass. The standard will apply to all programs, essentially replacing the Gainful Employment rule. There is widespread agreement that colleges should be held accountable for financial outcomes of their students.