Washington, D.C. (February 27, 2026) – Following the release of the Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Reimagining and Improving Student Education, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) submitted its response acknowledging the Departments efforts to clarify the definition of “professional,” and urging the incorporation of similar language into the final rule, making the intent clear within the Code of Federal Regulations itself.
Additionally, the AICPA strongly encouraged the Department to include “accounting” in the definition or retain current language stating that, “professional degrees may include but are not limited to” the list included in the NPRM.
“Fundamentally, recognizing accounting programs as professional degree programs makes common sense. This recognition reflects the impact CPAs 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. Students pursing this pathway should have equitable access to graduate-level financing, consistent with other recognized professional programs that serve critical public needs,” the group said in the letter.
The AICPA joins voices of CPAs across the country, with many state CPA societies also submitting comments to the Department of Education. The Department will review and consider all comments submitted and final regulations must be implemented by July 1, 2026, per the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Contact: Veronica L. Vera
202-434-9215
Veronica.Vera@aicpa-cima.com