Professional Student Degree Act
Summary
The "Professional Student Degree Act" (H.R. 6718) aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by redefining the term "professional degree." The bill seeks to provide a clearer and more comprehensive definition of professional degrees, including a specific list of degrees that qualify. This redefinition could impact student loan eligibility and other federal programs tied to professional degrees.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to standardize the definition of "professional degree" across federal programs related to higher education. This could lead to changes in eligibility for student loans, grants, and other forms of federal assistance for students pursuing these degrees. It also grants the Secretary the power to determine if other degrees meet the requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a clear and updated definition of "professional degree".
- Standardizes the criteria for professional degrees across different fields.
- May improve access to federal aid for students in specified professional programs.
- Could lead to better alignment between educational programs and professional licensing requirements.
- Allows the Secretary to determine if other degrees meet the requirements, providing flexibility.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May exclude some emerging or less common professional degrees from eligibility for federal aid.
- The Secretary's discretion in defining professional degrees could lead to inconsistencies or biases.
- Potential for increased costs to the federal government if more students become eligible for aid.
- The redefinition might create confusion or require adjustments for institutions offering professional programs.
- Could disproportionately affect students in certain professional fields if their degrees are not included.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power of Congress to legislate on matters related to education and general welfare, as implied by Article I, Section 8. The amendment to the Higher Education Act falls under the purview of Congress's authority to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare through education-related legislation. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).