NDC Calls on Dept. Ed to Finalize Professional Degree Programs List
Today the National Defense Committee submitted a letter to the Department of Education encouraging it to finalize its revised list of professional degree programs.
After releasing an initial list of programs that qualify for increased levels of federal student loans earlier this year, the Department expanded the list in June.
“National Defense Committee strongly recommends the Department of Education accept these additionally designated professional degree programs and no longer challenge the Court’s rulings through the appeals process,” Executive Director Bob Carey writes.
Capt. Carey served on the negotiated rulemaking committee that developed the original list and specifically advocated for including programs important to servicemembers and veterans, including Nursing, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational and Physical Therapy, and Psychology.
“I am very pleased to see these programs incorporated” on the revised list, Capt. Carey writes. “Accepting these programs will assist with military recruiting and retention, and improve health care delivered” by federal agencies.
“‘Going to the mat’ in the courts will discourage potential students from entering these important areas of study and vocations, which would ultimately hurt our military,” the letter concludes. “On behalf of National Defense Committee and the servicemembers and veterans I represented on the RISE Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, I ask the Department to finalize the revised professional programs list.”
Read the Full Letter Here.
