Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would establish new consumer protections for students by tying federal financial aid eligibility to program outcomes. It would bar colleges and other institutions from receiving federal student aid for programs preparing students for licensed occupations unless, within a year, those programs actually qualify students to sit for licensing exams and meet certification requirements in the states where they live or where the institution markets the program, including providing required clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships. The bill also creates a formal "debt-to-earnings" standard for career-oriented ("gainful employment") programs, requiring the Department of Education to calculate and publish debt and earnings data for these programs and cut off federal aid to programs that repeatedly produce excessive loan debt relative to graduates' earnings. Institutions would face certification and disclosure requirements and a three-year waiting period before reestablishing eligibility for a failed or discontinued program.
The bill primarily affects colleges, universities, and vocational/professional schools that receive federal student aid, along with current and prospective students in licensure-track and career-training programs. It aims to prevent students from enrolling in costly programs that either fail to lead to required professional licensure or leave graduates with debt loads disproportionate to their earnings.
H.R. 9748 was introduced in the House on July 16, 2026, by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the House and Senate before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9748 do?
- The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act would establish new consumer protections for students by tying federal financial aid eligibility to program outcomes. It would bar colleges and other institutions from receiving federal student aid for programs preparing students for licensed occupations unless, within a year, those programs actually qualify students to sit for licensing exams and meet certification requirements in the states where they live or where the institution markets the program, including providing required clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships. The bill also creates a formal "debt-to-earnings" standard for career-oriented ("gainful employment") programs, requiring the Department of Education to calculate and publish debt and earnings data for these programs and cut off federal aid to programs that repeatedly produce excessive loan debt relative to graduates' earnings. Institutions would face certification and disclosure requirements and a three-year waiting period before reestablishing eligibility for a failed or discontinued program. The bill primarily affects colleges, universities, and vocational/professional schools that receive federal student aid, along with current and prospective students in licensure-track and career-training programs. It aims to prevent students from enrolling in costly programs that either fail to lead to required professional licensure or leave graduates with debt loads disproportionate to their earnings. H.R. 9748 was introduced in the House on July 16, 2026, by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, potential amendment, and votes in both the House and Senate before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 9748 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Jul 2026, H.R. 9748 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9748?
- H.R. 9748 was sponsored by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [D-IL8] (Democrat-IL), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9748?
- Introduced (16 Jul 2026).
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