New federal gainful‑employment and financial value transparency rules are forcing career education programs — particularly at proprietary institutions — to justify that credentials raise graduates’ earnings above high‑school comparators and keep debt burdens reasonable. The rules change how federal aid is distributed to short‑term and occupational programs and require institutions to show measurable economic value. Advocates say the policies will protect students from low‑return credentials; critics worry about reduced access for marginalized students and administrative burdens for community colleges and nontraditional providers. The rules are already shifting institutional recruiting, program design, and accountability practices as negotiated rulemaking and implementation deadlines loom.