Portland, OR – Graphic design programs—especially those offered through private art schools and career colleges—may soon experience major federal funding challenges as new student aid regulations take effect in 2026. Due to historically low early-career wages and variable job placement trends, design programs rank among the fields considered most vulnerable under the updated federal performance metrics.
According to federal guidance, graphic design courses that are unaccredited, non-credit, or less than 150 instructional hours cannot receive Title IV federal aid. Programs between 150 and 600 hours must now meet Workforce Pell requirements, including a 70% completion rate, 70% job placement rate, and tuition that does not exceed graduates’ value-added earnings measured three years after finishing the program.
Beginning July 1, 2026, design programs must also satisfy the federal “low earnings outcomes” test. Under this rule, a program loses Direct Loan eligibility if graduates earn the same or less than local workers with only a high school diploma for two out of three evaluation years. Since entry-level graphic design roles—especially in freelance or contract-heavy markets—often pay near this threshold, many programs may face heightened risk.
Institutions warn that reduced aid access could limit affordable pathways into digital media and creative careers.
