New federal guidelines threaten funding eligibility for many graduate arts programs by focusing on alumni earnings expectations. The guidance could imperil federal aid for students in fields such as music, filmmaking, and other artistic disciplines where career pathways and earning profiles may not align cleanly with standardized metrics. As colleges evaluate compliance, departments are likely to face immediate questions about how to document outcomes, adjust admissions and advising, or restructure program offerings. The policy also adds to an already tense environment for specialized graduate education and arts funding. For students, the risk is direct: reduced federal support could limit enrollment and program viability, particularly at smaller institutions with fewer internal safety nets.