ED Proposes Rule on Higher Education Program Cost Reporting

The Department of Education on Monday released proposed regulations [Docket ID ED-2026-OPE-0100] to establish a system to expand public reporting on higher education program costs and outcomes and to tie program eligibility for federal student aid to earnings-based measures. Public comments are due May 20.  

The proposed framework,  implementing provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), would apply broadly across Title IV programs and assess whether graduates’ earnings meet federal benchmarks, with potential consequences for programs that fall short. The AAMC submitted comments to the department in August 2025 expressing concerns about how the earnings-based reporting measures would apply to programs with extended training pathways. [refer to Washington Highlights, Sep. 5, 2025].  

If finalized as proposed, the rule would take effect July 1.