Update on Publication of Proposed Rule

February 2, 2026

AIA Government Affairs Activity Continues 

The Department of Education has opened a public comment period on a proposed rule that would remove the professional designation from M.Arch and D.Arch programs. If finalized, this change would cap federal student loans on graduate degrees for architecture students at $20,500 per year—well below the cost of earning an accredited professional degree—and would significantly undermine access to the profession.

The publication of the rule does nothing to address concerns raised in earlier advocacy. In response, AIA has been fully engaged across both administrative and legislative pathways:

1. Formal opposition to the proposed rule. AIA is preparing a formal comment opposing the Department of Education’s proposal and is preparing detailed comments for submission during the public comment period, which closes March 2.
2. Coalition Engagement.  AIA is working with more than 70 coalition partners, along with agency officials and elected leaders, to ensure architecture degrees are appropriately recognized and that students retain access to affordable federal financing.
3. Public opposition to the proposed rule. AIA issued a press release on Friday following the publication of the proposed rule.
4. Legislative leadership in Congress.  AIA has endorsed two bipartisan bills aimed at restoring and clarifying the professional status of architecture degrees. On January 12, AIA joined a coalition letter endorsing Rep. Mike Lawler’s legislation to preserve professional degree recognition. On January 22, AIA endorsed Rep. Ritchie Torres’ bill, reinforcing congressional momentum toward a durable legislative solution.

What Comes Next—and How Members Can Help

In less than two weeks, more than 500 architects will gather in Washington, DC for AIA Leadership Summit, where members of Congress will hear directly from architects about the issues shaping the profession and the business of architecture. Access to affordable education—and the professional status of architecture degrees—will be front and center in those conversations.

AIA will be following up with members ahead of the summit with opportunities to contact your representatives and reinforce the need for a clear, workable solution. Your voice matters in ensuring that the next generation of architects can enter the profession without insurmountable financial barriers.