Department of Education’s Final RISE Rule Excludes Audiology from Professional Degree Programs: ADA Continues to Advocate for Policy Change
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) released its final rule under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative on May 1, 2026—marking a significant and deeply disappointing outcome for the audiology profession. Despite extensive advocacy from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), its members, and a broad coalition of healthcare organizations, the final rule does not recognize audiology as a “professional degree” program for federal student loan purposes.
This designation is critically important. Under the new federal framework established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, students enrolled in programs classified as “professional degrees” are eligible for substantially higher federal loan limits—up to $200,000—compared to $100,000 for other graduate programs. (CGS) By excluding audiology, the DOE has effectively placed future audiologists at a financial disadvantage despite the rigorous doctoral-level education, extensive clinical training, and licensure requirements required to enter the profession.
Throughout the rulemaking process, ADA worked tirelessly to ensure audiology was included. The Academy submitted formal comments, engaged policymakers, collaborated with coalition partners, and mobilized grassroots advocacy to demonstrate that audiology clearly meets the criteria of a professional degree. These efforts emphasized the real-world consequences of exclusion, including reduced access to education, increased student debt burden, and potential workforce shortages that could limit patient access to hearing and balance care.
“The Department acknowledges that SLPs and audiologists meet the operative test, as do many graduate programs. However, like physical therapists (91 FR 4266), advanced degree, licensure, and certification requirements for SLPs and audiologists are a recent development and therefore were not included in the original list of professional degrees. This degree progression pre-dates the changes made to the professional degree definition in 34 CFR 668.2, yet the Department did not update definition to include SLP or audiology.”
The Department’s rationale is both shortsighted and flawed, particularly as audiology was notably highlighted as a profession that should be included, by members of the rulemaking committee.
ADA remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing policies that support audiologists and their patients. We will continue to advocate for legislative and regulatory solutions to correct this inequity and ensure that the next generation of audiologists has access to the resources they need to obtain the Au.D. and meaningfully serve their communities.