AICPA, State CPA Societies Urge Department of Education to Recognize Accounting Programs as Professional Degree Programs

Designation Would Recognize the Critical Role CPAs Play and Ensure Access to Financial Aid for Future Accountants

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and state CPA societies strongly oppose any proposal that fails to recognize accounting as a professional degree program.

The organizations are calling on the U.S. Department of Education to explicitly include accounting programs in the regulatory definition of "professional degree programs." While higher education reforms were included in H.R. 1—commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—the Department of Education only recently released proposed changes that would reclassify professional degree programs. Unfortunately, accounting is not currently listed among those programs.

"Recognizing accounting programs as professional degree programs is common sense," said Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, the president and CEO of the AICPA. "It reflects the impact accountants make on the lives of individuals, the health of communities and the integrity of financial systems, as well as the rigorous path taken to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant."

The definitions of professional degree programs help determine loan eligibility, which can be a critical differentiator for a student striving to complete an accounting degree program and become a CPA.

Becoming a licensed CPA involves meeting specific education requirements, passing the CPA Exam, and completing work experience under the supervision of another CPA. CPAs throughout their careers are bound by the ethical requirements of a code of conduct and must complete ongoing professional education, among other requirements, to remain licensed.

The combination of challenging initial licensure requirements and life-long commitment to protecting the public interest are hallmarks of accounting's status as a professional field. The federal government's own projections suggest that demand for accountants will continue to outstrip demand for jobs in general through 2034 (+5% growth vs. +3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), making it even more critical that support mechanisms such as recognition and financial aid are in place.

The AICPA and state CPA societies will continue to advocate strongly for accounting to be recognized as a professional degree program.

About the American Institute of CPAs

The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.

SOURCE AICPA