Raleigh, NC – Human Resources (HR) certificate programs, widely used for entry-level hiring roles, recruiting support, and compliance-focused office careers, may face substantial financial aid challenges as new federal regulations roll out in 2026. These certificate-level programs—often marketed as quick pathways into HR—are directly affected by the Department of Education’s strengthened standards for performance and graduate earnings.
According to federal guidelines, HR certificate programs that are unaccredited, non-credit, or under 150 instructional hours cannot receive Title IV federal aid. Programs between 150 and 600 hours must meet Workforce Pell requirements, including a 70% completion rate, 70% job placement rate, and tuition that does not exceed graduates’ verified value-added earnings three years after program completion.
Beginning July 1, 2026, HR certificate programs must also pass the federal “low earnings outcomes” test. Under this rule, a program loses access to Direct Loans if graduates earn the same or less than adults with only a high school diploma for two of three measured years. Because many HR assistant and coordinator positions begin near entry-level administrative pay rates, programs in lower-wage regions may face difficulty meeting federal thresholds.
Institutions warn the changes could limit accessible pathways into HR careers at a time when businesses nationwide report ongoing staffing and compliance shortages.
