U.S. Department of Education Finalizes New Rule Requiring Universities to Prove Degrees Deliver Financial ROI

The Department of Education has finalized a new 'Gainful Employment' rule, requiring universities to demonstrate that their degree programs provide a real financial return on investment for students before they can access federal student loans. This policy, originally aimed at for-profit schools, now impacts liberal arts programs like social work, music, fine arts, and religious studies if their graduates' early earnings fall below state baselines.