Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6718

Education: Updating the Definition of Professional Degrees

Professional Student Degree Act

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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

This bill, introduced in Congress, updates the official list of what the government considers a "professional degree." It moves away from old, outdated rules and creates a clear, modern list of degrees that require special training beyond a four-year college degree.
The new list includes many common careers like nursing, social work, teaching, and business administration. It also covers traditional professional roles like doctors, lawyers, and dentists, ensuring they are all officially recognized under federal education laws.
By being labeled as "professional" students, people in these programs may have different rules for federal student loans. This often allows students in expensive, high-level programs to borrow enough money to cover the full cost of their advanced training.
The Secretary of Education would also have the power to add more degrees to this list in the future if they meet the requirements. This allows the law to stay up to date as new types of professional jobs and training are created over time.

2 milestones2 actions

Dec 15, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Dec 15, 2025

Introduced in House

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Professional Student Degree Act

Bill NumberHR 6718

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

(8)

R: 8

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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