Education Dept Updates College Program Eligibility and Waiver Rules
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is updating who can join special college programs and how schools can ask to skip some rules for 2025. This affects colleges and universities wanting to help students with extra support and funding. Schools should get ready to apply soon to keep or gain access to these helpful programs and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Who Can Be Designated Eligible
The Department of Education announces the process to designate which colleges and universities are eligible for certain programs under Parts A and F of Title III and Title V of the Higher Education Act for fiscal year (FY) 2025. If your institution seeks eligibility, you will need to follow the Department's designation process for FY2025 to gain or keep access to these programs.
Waivers of Eligibility Rules Available
The Department invites applications from colleges and universities for waivers of eligibility requirements for the same programs for fiscal year (FY) 2025. If your school wants to skip certain eligibility rules to keep or gain access to program funding and supports, it may apply for a waiver under the FY2025 process.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-15665 — William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program
The government wants to change the rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to stop people working for shady employers from getting loan forgiveness. This means if your job is with an organization involved in serious illegal activities, you won’t qualify for loan help anymore. These changes protect taxpayers and make sure the program is fair, coming soon to keep things on the up and up.
2026-10347 — Final Priority and Definitions-Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Promoting Patriotic Education
Starting June 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education is adding a new priority to support patriotic education in its grant programs. Schools and organizations applying for education grants can now include this focus, alongside other priorities like literacy and AI. This change helps guide where federal education money goes, encouraging programs that promote pride and knowledge about our country.
2026-10115 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The Department of Education is renewing a program that shares info with the Department of Veterans Affairs to double-check if financial aid applicants really are veterans. This helps make sure only eligible students get aid, starting around late June 2026 and lasting 18 months. If all goes well, the program might extend for another year, with public comments open until June 22, 2026.
2026-10100 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; ED-524 Budget Information Non-Construction Programs Form and Instructions
The Department of Education wants to keep using its ED-524 Budget Information form for non-construction programs without any changes. Schools and organizations that fill out this form should know they can comment on this plan until July 20, 2026. This extension won’t cost extra or change how the form works, but your feedback can help keep things smooth and simple!
2026-10058 — Notice Announcing National Professional Development Program Competition
The Department of Labor and Education are teaming up to offer up to $1 million a year in grants for colleges and education groups to help teachers get better at teaching English learners. If you’re part of a school or group that trains teachers, you can apply by July 14, 2026. This program focuses on improving teaching skills, using proven literacy methods, and boosting student success.
2026-09983 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Federal Perkins Loan Program Regulations and General Provisions Regulations
The Department of Education is asking to keep collecting info for the Federal Perkins Loan Program without changing the current forms or rules. This affects students, schools, and government groups who deal with these loans. You’ve got until June 18, 2026, to share your thoughts, but no new costs or big changes are coming—just a smooth continuation!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03572 — Appointment of Members of Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board
The ONDCP just named four new members to their Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board, with Ms. Martha Gagné leading as Chair. These folks will help review and rate top executives' work to keep things running smoothly. No big money changes or deadlines, just fresh faces ready to keep the team on track!
Next: 2025-03575 — Agency Collection Activities; Requesting Comments for Safe Harbor for Valuation and Mark to Market Accounting Method for Dealers Under Section 475
The IRS wants your thoughts on keeping a special rule that helps dealers value and report their investments more easily under Section 475. This rule makes tax reporting simpler and clearer for dealers who buy and sell stocks or securities. If you’re a dealer, this could affect how you handle your taxes, so don’t miss the chance to share your feedback before the deadline!