CalCPA has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to recognize accounting as a professional degree program. This designation directly affects federal student loan limits for graduate students pursuing CPA licensure.
What’s at Stake
The Department’s proposed rule, issued under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sets new federal student loan limits for graduate students. Under the proposal, students enrolled in designated professional programs could borrow up to $50,000 per year, with a $200,000 lifetime cap. Students outside that designation, including accounting students as currently written, would be limited to $20,500 annually and $100,000 over a lifetime.
For many aspiring CPAs, especially those pursuing additional education to advance their careers or meet licensure requirements, that difference is significant. At a time when the profession is focused on strengthening the CPA pipeline, limiting access to graduate level financing could create unnecessary financial barriers.
CalCPA’s Position
In its comment letter, CalCPA made two primary requests:
We urged the Department to include in the final rule clear language stating that the professional student designation applies only to loan eligibility and is not a value judgment about other programs.
If the Department revises its definition of professional degree, we asked that accounting either be explicitly included or that the definition be broad enough to encompass programs like accounting.
Our comments emphasized that accounting is a licensed and regulated profession built on rigorous education, examination, ethics and competency standards. Students pursuing CPA licensure should have equitable access to graduate level financing consistent with other recognized professional programs.
A Coordinated National Effort
CalCPA’s advocacy is part of a coordinated national effort with the AICPA and other stakeholders. The AICPA and all state CPA societies have issued joint statements and letters to the Department. In addition, a coalition of eight accounting organizations representing approximately 1.5 million accounting and finance professionals has also called on the Department to revise the rule.
CPA licensure is not a general credential. It is a state regulated process requiring advanced education, specialized training, ethics standards and ongoing professional development. CPAs protect investors, businesses, government agencies and the public by ensuring the integrity of financial information. Failing to recognize accounting as a professional degree would limit access to fair financing for students and could weaken the long-term strength of a profession that California’s economy and communities depend on every day.
The public comment period closes March 2, 2026. CalCPA will continue engaging with policymakers to ensure accounting students are treated fairly and that the CPA pipeline remains strong. We will keep members informed as this process moves forward.
