Legis Daily

Professional Student Degree Act

USA119th CongressHR-6718| House 
| Updated: 12/15/2025
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (8)
Mark Alford (Republican)Daniel Meuser (Republican)Don Bacon (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Robert P. Bresnahan (Republican)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation proposes to significantly revise the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. Specifically, it amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing an existing reference to a specific Code of Federal Regulations section. The bill establishes a new, detailed definition for a professional degree, describing it as a degree signifying completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a professional skill level beyond a bachelor's degree, as determined by the Secretary. This new definition aims to provide greater clarity and scope for federal student aid eligibility. Additionally, the legislation explicitly enumerates a wide range of degrees that qualify, such as Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Law (J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Nursing (M.S.N., D.N.P., or Ph.D.), along with any other degree meeting the general criteria as determined by the Secretary.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Dec 15, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 15, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • December 15, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 15, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Education

Professional Student Degree Act

USA119th CongressHR-6718| House 
| Updated: 12/15/2025
This legislation proposes to significantly revise the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. Specifically, it amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing an existing reference to a specific Code of Federal Regulations section. The bill establishes a new, detailed definition for a professional degree, describing it as a degree signifying completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a professional skill level beyond a bachelor's degree, as determined by the Secretary. This new definition aims to provide greater clarity and scope for federal student aid eligibility. Additionally, the legislation explicitly enumerates a wide range of degrees that qualify, such as Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Law (J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Nursing (M.S.N., D.N.P., or Ph.D.), along with any other degree meeting the general criteria as determined by the Secretary.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Dec 15, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 15, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • December 15, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 15, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (8)
Mark Alford (Republican)Daniel Meuser (Republican)Don Bacon (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Robert P. Bresnahan (Republican)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Education and Workforce Committee

Education

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted