AICPA, NASBA object to Ed. Dept. downgrade of accounting degree programs

The American Institute CPAs, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and state CPA societies voiced their objections to a proposal from the Department of Education to exclude accounting from the definition of "professional degree" programs, potentially reducing the amount of student loan aid available.

The proposal has raised alarms, particularly in the nursing profession, but has excluded a number of other prominent fields that have traditionally been considered professions, such as architects, educators, social workers, engineers, physician assistants, occupational therapists and audiologists. 

The Department of Education pointed out that under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it's required to identify "professional degree" programs that will be eligible for higher federal lending limits. A negotiating committee convened by the agency has proposed a consensus definition that designates medicine, dentistry, law and several other high-cost programs as eligible for a $200,000 borrowing limit. Students who pursue a degree in other graduate or doctoral programs would be capped at $100,000 in federal loans. Undergraduate students are generally not affected by the new lending limits. The department noted that it has not yet published a proposed or final rule and there will still be opportunities for the public to weigh in on the issue before the rule is finalized early next year.

However, early next year is approaching soon, and the proposed framework is already provoking opposition among industry groups, including the accounting profession. The AICPA, NASBA and a group of state CPA societies are urging the Education Department to explicitly include accounting programs in the regulatory definition of "professional degree programs." 

"Recognizing accounting programs as professional degree programs is common sense," said AICPA president and CEO Mark Koziel in a statement. "It reflects the impact accountants make on the lives of individuals, the health of communities and the integrity of financial systems, as well as the rigorous path taken to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant."

The AICPA noted that the definitions of professional degree programs help determine loan eligibility, which can be a crucial differentiator for a student trying to complete an accounting degree program and become a CPA. The Institute pointed out that becoming a licensed CPA involves meeting specific education requirements, passing the CPA exam, and completing work experience under the supervision of another CPA. CPAs have to abide by an ethical code of conduct and complete ongoing professional education requirements to maintain their licenses.

NASBA pointed out that the Department of Education change affects federal loan caps under the new Repayment Assistance Plan, which starting in July 2026, will reduce borrowing limits for accounting students to $20,500 per year, compared to $50,000 per year for degrees the Department now labels "professional." 

A reduction in loan access could discourage a wide array of students from entering the CPA profession at a time when there's already a shortage of accountants. NASBA contends that federal policy needs to accurately reflect the realities of professional CPA licensure, arguing that economic stability and protection of the public depend on a strong and well-regulated accounting profession. 

"Classifying accountants as anything other than professionals fundamentally misrepresents the critical work CPAs perform, work that is responsible for the integrity of the global financial systems on which businesses and individuals rely," said NASBA president and CEO Daniel Dustin in a statement Tuesday. "There's a reason certified public accountancy has been a licensed profession in the United States since 1896." 

NASBA noted that the reclassification departs sharply from established federal and state definitions, and excludes many other long-recognized licensed professions, including nursing, architecture, education and engineering. NASBA plans to consult with the 55 U.S. accounting jurisdictions it represents — which together license over 653,000 CPAs in the U.S. — and said it would engage policymakers to ensure accounting is restored to the professional degree category.