Federal Policy

What it is

A proposed U.S. Department of Education rule could change how career education programs qualify for federal student loan access under the newly proposed Student Tuition and Transparency System / "do-no-harm" earnings test.

Under this proposal, programs that repeatedly fail the earnings test could lose access to Title IV federal financial aid, including federal student loan eligibility.

The proposal was issued in April 2026 and published in the Federal Register, and the public comment period closed on May 20, 2026. The Department of Education has not yet issued a final rule. A final rule is expected ahead of the framework’s stated July 1, 2026 effective date; under the Department’s timeline, the earnings test itself would not be applied to programs until 2027.

Why it matters for massage therapy

While the goal may be to protect students from poor outcomes, massage therapy does not always fit neatly into a one-size-fits-all earnings formula.

Many massage therapists build their income over time. Some are self-employed. Some work part-time while growing a practice. Some combine clinical, spa, wellness, mobile, teaching, or healthcare-based work. A narrow earnings test may not fully reflect how this profession actually functions.

Potential impact

If massage programs lose access to federal student aid:

• Fewer students may be able to afford training
• Schools could struggle to stay open
• Employers may face an even tighter workforce pipeline
• Communities could lose access to qualified, licensed massage therapists

IMTPA's position

IMTPA believes education policy should protect students without weakening legitimate professional training programs or closing doors to the next generation of massage therapists.

We encourage Illinois massage therapists, schools, employers, educators, and students to review the proposal, submit a public comment, and stay informed.