Christian schools say religious education could be hurt by new student loan rules
A new U.S. Department of Education rule aimed at reducing student debt may adversely affect religious education programs. Christian college leaders are concerned that the new eligibility criteria for federal student loans could label many religious degrees as 'failing.' This could lead to a significant decrease in financial aid for students pursuing religious studies, impacting the future of religious higher education in the U.S.
- ▪The new rule requires degree programs to demonstrate higher earnings for graduates to qualify for federal student loans.
- ▪Estimates suggest that 53% of religion and religious studies bachelor's degrees would fail under the new criteria.
- ▪Christian college leaders warn that the rule could threaten the future of religious education and the training of church leaders.
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News Christian schools say religious education could be hurt by new student loan rules A new Department of Education loan rule appears intended to curb politicized academic programs, but religious education could be caught in the crossfire. Washington, D.C.; September 5, 2024: The exterior sign and US flag in front of the U.S. Department of Education officesNLM Photo/Shutterstock CalvinFreiburger 0 Calvin Freiburger Comments 0 Tue May 26, 2026 - 3:51 pm EDT WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews) – A new U.S. Department of Education (DOE) rule aimed at curbing “useless” degree programs that leave students high in debt but short on career prospects could have unintended consequences for religious education, several leaders of Christian colleges are warning.
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