summary
Introduced
04/30/2015
04/30/2015
In Committee
04/30/2015
04/30/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act This bill makes any institution of higher education (IHE) postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements within one year after this Act's enactment. Each program must: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the metropolitan statistical areas and states in which the students reside and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; and (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as clinical placements, internships, or apprenticeships. The bill requires the Department of Education to promulgate regulations regarding pre-accredited IHE programs to: (1) impose consumer protection requirements that are consistent with those this Act imposes on accredited programs, and (2) condition an IHE's participation in any federal financial assistance program on the IHE signing a loan discharge agreement with each student who is enrolled in any pre-accredited program.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act," aims to ensure that students pursuing careers requiring licenses or specific entry qualifications receive adequate preparation and support from their educational institutions. It mandates that any postsecondary program designed to prepare students for such occupations must meet stringent consumer protection requirements within one year of the bill's enactment to remain eligible for federal financial assistance programs, which are government-funded programs like student loans and grants. Specifically, these programs must fully prepare students to meet licensing or entry prerequisites in their home areas and any state where the institution claims graduates will be prepared to work, and they must also facilitate timely placement in necessary pre-licensure positions like internships or clinical rotations. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Education to establish regulations for "pre-accredited" programs (programs that are not yet fully accredited) to impose similar consumer protections and to ensure that institutions with pre-accredited programs offer students a loan discharge agreement, meaning students could have their loans forgiven if the program fails to meet its obligations.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (on 04/30/2015)
Official Document
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