Trump Wants Colleges To Prove A Degree Is Worth It

President Donald Trump's Department of Education has announced a sweeping new accountability requirement for colleges, demanding that academic programs demonstrate their value by proving graduates earn more than similar workers without a degree. Programs failing to meet these benchmarks risk losing access to federal student loans, marking a major shift in how higher education is regulated in the U.S. The new rule requires institutions receiving federal student aid to show that their graduates achieve higher earnings compared to peers who did not attend college. This evaluation will span three consecutive years, with programs needing to meet the earnings threshold in at least two of those periods. The policy aims to address growing concerns over the affordability and effectiveness of higher education, particularly amid rising student debt and declining enrollment rates. Student loan debt in the U.S. has surged to nearly $2 trillion, with default rates reaching unprecedented levels. One in five borrowers currently owes money on defaulted loans, despite temporary relief measures introduced during the pandemic. These measures included suspending federal student loan payments until late 2024. The average cost of a four-year degree remains steep, with public universities averaging around $153,080 and private institutions charging up to $234,512. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that the new rule seeks to correct systemic issues within higher education. She criticized colleges for focusing on enrollment growth and tuition revenue rather than equipping students with marketable skills. "We have constructed an educational theme park, flashy, fun, but not practical," McMahon stated. "Schools are boosting revenue by marketing the fun to students, even if they don't complete their degrees." McMahon pointed to broader trends affecting the sector, including a decline in college enrollment. The percentage of high school graduates pursuing higher education peaked at around 70% in 2016 but dropped to 62% in recent years. Additionally, the number of college closures has increased, with approximately 60 institutions shutting down each year among the roughly 4,000 degree-granting schools nationwide. Public sentiment toward higher education is shifting, with more than half of Generation Z reporting that their college degree was a "waste of money." Similar frustrations are echoed by 41% of Millennials and 20% of Baby Boomers. Employers are increasingly dropping college degree requirements for job openings, reflecting skepticism about the return on investment for many students. The Department of Education claims the new accountability measure was developed through a formal negotiation process earlier this year. Officials argue the rule is designed to safeguard both students and taxpayers by ensuring that educational institutions deliver tangible career outcomes. The policy represents a significant departure from previous approaches, emphasizing measurable success over traditional metrics such as graduation rates or institutional prestige. As the implementation date nears, educators and policymakers are likely to face intense scrutiny. The rule could reshape how colleges operate, potentially leading to changes in curriculum design, admissions practices, and financial strategies. The long-term impact on student access, program quality, and overall economic mobility remains to be seen.