NJCPA Opposes Draft Regulation Excluding Accounting from Professional Degree Designation
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December 17, 2025
The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) opposes the U.S. Department of Education’s proposal to classify accounting degrees as “non-professional.” The proposal is misguided and risks further weakening the accounting talent pipeline.
At the federal level, the Department’s proposal is part of a broader student-loan restructuring effort that narrowly defines “professional” programs for higher loan limits. While the Department has indicated this is not a value judgment on the accounting profession — or any of the many other professions that were not specifically listed — the practical impact could be reduced access to financing for accounting students at a time when the profession is already facing significant workforce shortages.
At the state level, the NJCPA has taken proactive steps to push back against this outdated perception. Most notably, we drafted and advanced legislation that explicitly designates accounting as a STEM discipline under New Jersey law, recognizing that modern accounting is grounded in technology, data analytics, mathematics and problem-solving, not just traditional bookkeeping. As stated in the bill, “the common perception of the accounting profession as a numerical-based profession of financial record keeping and analysis is outdated,” and today’s accountants rely heavily on STEM competencies to drive business insight, manage risk and ensure compliance in a technology-driven economy.
In parallel, the NJCPA continues to advocate for the additional pathway to CPA licensure, expanded pipeline programs and greater alignment between education policy and workforce realities. While the DOE decision is federal, New Jersey’s actions send a clear signal to students, educators and policymakers that accounting is a high-skill, technology-enabled profession critical to the state’s economy.
We are also closely aligned with AICPA and NASBA advocacy efforts and will continue to engage stakeholders as this issue evolves.
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The information in this guide has been gathered from many sources, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, state agencies, professional organizations and members of the NJCPA. The majority of state agencies offer online and prerecorded services. It’s best to check online or call before you visit.
Material contained within this guide should be augmented by, and used in accordance with, a certified public accountant's professional judgment. Your CPA can properly apply the tax laws and regulations to the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. For help with locating a CPA, visit findacpa.org.
The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants is not responsible for any claims arising as a result of this information or its usage.
This guide was updated in September 2025. Future users of this material are cautioned that some portions, particularly tax-related information, may become outdated.