AICPA Issues Statement on Department of Education Professional Degree Designation in Draft Rules

Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2026) - For several weeks, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has expressed opposition to a proposed Department of Education regulation that would exclude accounting programs across the country from a professional degree designation for the purposes of graduate student loan limits.

On January 30, the Department of Education published the draft rules on student loan limits in the Federal Register. The notice summary now includes the following paragraph:

"The Department notes that the term 'professional student' as used in this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is intended solely to distinguish those programs that we propose would be eligible for higher loan limits, as required by the OBBB. The designation, or lack thereof, of a program as 'professional' does not reflect a value judgment by the Department regarding whether a borrower graduating from the program is considered a 'professional.' This NPRM only interprets the phrase 'professional student' as used in the context of the loan limits established by the OBBB."

AICPA President and CEO, Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA issued a statement following the release of the draft rules:

"Accounting is a critical part of our nation's economic infrastructure and is a profession that has contributed significantly to our economic growth. We appreciate the Department of Education's recognition of the broad definition and various aspects of the word 'professional.' As the rulemaking process moves forward, the AICPA will continue to review the proposal and we look forward to providing our suggestions and insights."

With the publication of the rule, a 30-day comment period has now opened. The AICPA intends to submit comments to the Department of Education during this period.

About the American Institute of CPAs

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.

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