In formal comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, NCACPA urged policymakers to ensure that accounting programs are properly recognized as professional degree programs under proposed federal rules governing student loan limits.
At stake is more than regulatory language. How the federal government defines a “professional degree” sends a signal about which careers require advanced education, rigorous standards, and public trust. NCACPA’s position is clear: accounting is a licensed profession with demanding education requirements, ethical obligations, and a critical role in safeguarding economic stability. Federal policy should reflect that reality.
The comments respond to the Department’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, “Reimagining and Improving Student Education” (Docket ED-2025-OPE-0944), which addresses how professional degree programs are defined for purposes of federal student loan limits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
In its letter, NCACPA urged the Department to either explicitly include accounting in the definition of professional degree programs or retain existing language stating that professional degrees “may include but are not limited to” those listed. This approach would ensure accounting students maintain equitable access to graduate-level financing consistent with other established professions.
“Accounting is a licensed profession grounded in rigorous education, ethics, and competency standards,” said Kelly Puryear, CPA, Chair of NCACPA. “Federal policy should reflect the reality that CPAs serve a critical role in protecting the public interest and supporting economic stability.”
Recognition as a professional degree program is particularly important as the profession works to strengthen the pipeline of future CPAs.
“When government defines what qualifies as ‘professional,’ it sends a signal,” said NCACPA CEO Mark Soticheck, CPA, CGMA. “Accounting is a cornerstone of transparency, trust, and economic confidence. Our students should have the same access and recognition afforded to other professional pathways.”
The full comment letter can be viewed here.
If you have questions about this issue or other policy matters, please contact NCACPA Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach Robert Broome, CAE.