A Department of Education advisory panel approved a new earnings test intended to tighten oversight of postsecondary programs, but the vote exposed deep divisions on the committee over student-protection trade-offs. Reporting by Katherine Knott and Jessica Blake shows the panel reached approval with at least one member abstaining and others warning that a lack of consensus could risk protections for students in undergraduate certificate programs. Officials say the earnings test is designed to measure whether vocational programs produce graduates who earn enough to justify federal aid. Opponents argued the metric could disproportionately hurt short-term credential providers and limit options for nontraditional learners. The decision sets up a likely rulemaking process in which the Education Department will weigh technical calibrations, definitions of program eligibility, and appeals procedures. Colleges and trade schools should expect greater federal scrutiny and prepare data to show program-level earnings outcomes and compliance strategies.