What You Need To Know This afternoon, the Department published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Distance Education, the Federal TRIO Programs, and Return to Title IV (R2T4). The NPRM’s Proposed Rule on Distance Education includes provisions which prevent clock-programs participating in Title IV federal student aid programs from offering asynchronous instruction. In the Department’s Press Release, Secretary Cardona stated, Under President Biden’s leadership, we continue our relentless push to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all Americans. The regulations proposed today, if enacted, would help expand both access and affordability to our most disadvantaged students: those from low-income backgrounds, students without immigration status, and students with disabilities. By broadening eligibility for federal programs and placing guardrails that help protect against situations that leave students with debt but no degree, we can open more doors to the life-changing potential of higher education. The NPRM will be formally published in the Federal Register shortly. The public is provided with a period of 30 days to submit public comment on the draft language. The draft language for the Proposed Rule was formed via the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee process, which held three sessions between January and March, 2024. The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee additionally considered regulations on Accreditation, State Authorization, and Cash Management, which will be released in a separate NPRM. Why This is Important to You AACS is primarily concerned with the Department’s proposals on distance education, and its elimination of asynchronous instruction for clock-hour programs. This language was included in the NPRM. As a result of this language, cosmetology institutions that have incorporated asynchronous distance learning into their programs will lose flexibility to allow its students to participate in Title IV federal student aid program. AACS will continue to monitor this Proposed Rule, and will update membership on how to submit public comments. For more information: Department Press Release NPRM |
