US Colleges Face New Accountability Test
The US Department of Education has introduced a new test for colleges and universities, requiring them to prove that their graduates earn more than workers without a college degree. Failure to pass could result in loss of federal student loans. The test has sparked debate about the purpose of college and the potential impact on low-earning creative arts programs.
Key points
- The US Department of Education has introduced a new 'do no harm' accountability test for colleges and universities.
- Undergraduate programs must show graduates earn more than workers without a college degree, while graduate programs must show earnings exceed those with only a bachelor's degree.
- Failure to pass the test could result in loss of federal student loans.
- The test has sparked debate about the purpose of college and its potential impact on low-earning creative arts programs.
- Advocates for postsecondary arts education worry the test may lead to the elimination of low-earning programs in music, theater, and studio art.
The US Department of Education has introduced a new accountability test for colleges and universities, requiring them to prove that their graduates earn more than workers without a college degree. The test, known as 'do no harm,' aims to ensure that federal student loans are only provided to programs that leave graduates financially better off.
The test has sparked debate about the purpose of college and the potential impact on low-earning creative arts programs. Advocates for postsecondary arts education worry that the test may lead to the elimination of low-earning programs in music, theater, and studio art.
Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent stated that if a program cannot show that it leaves its graduates financially better off than if they had never enrolled, it should not be underwritten by federal taxpayers. However, some argue that earnings is only a small piece of the puzzle and that the test may have unintended consequences.
The test is currently being rolled out, and colleges and universities will soon have to pass in order to continue receiving federal student loans. The outcome of this new test will have significant implications for the future of higher education in the US.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.