List: Trump administration moves to end student loan access for certain degrees

The Trump administration has finalized a rule that could cut federal student loan access for college programs whose graduates earn less than typical high-school graduates.

According to The New Republic, the policy will assess graduates’ earnings using federal data and could affect programs associated with lower-paying careers. The Education Department says the measure is designed to hold institutions accountable for students’ financial outcomes.

Programs identified as potentially vulnerable include:

Cosmetology
Massage therapy / bodywork
Culinary arts
Medical / dental assisting
Religious studies
Social work / mental health counseling
Fine and studio arts
Music
Graphic design
English literature
Early childhood education

“We need social workers,” American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell said, highlighting concerns that socially important professions may be disadvantaged because of relatively low salaries.

Under the final rule, undergraduate programs must show graduates earn more than typical high-school graduates. Programs failing the earnings test in two of three consecutive award years could lose access to federal Direct Loans.