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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6739

Congress Moves to Protect Federal Student Aid for Nursing, Teaching, and Public Health Degrees

Clarity in Professional Degree Act

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: Congress Moves to Expand 'Professional Degree' Definition for Service Fields
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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • Congress would update the Higher Education Act so more graduate programs count as “professional degrees” for federal student aid.
  • It would specifically add degrees like nursing, occupational and physical therapy, social work, accounting, architecture, special/secondary education, music education, world languages education, and public health.
  • The bill responds to an Education Department change that could make some students in these programs lose eligibility for certain federal student aid starting July 1, 2026.
  • Supporters say the change would help students with disabilities who could be hurt by losing aid, and could reduce shortages in jobs like healthcare and teaching.
  • If it becomes law, students in the listed programs would be less likely to see their aid eligibility change just because the definition was narrowed in federal rules.
EducationHealthcareLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Positive Impacts(7)
Student Loans
Helps
Student
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Physical Disability
Helps
Sensory Disability
Helps
Cognitive Developmental
Helps
Mental Health
Helps

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 16, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Dec 16, 2025

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Clarity in Professional Degree Act

Bill NumberHR 6739
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.