Why It Matters
Federal regulators now judge undergraduate programs by graduate earnings, prompting Missouri lawmakers to consider restricting state support for degrees that do not yield high salaries.
What Happened
The U.S. Department of Education issued new accountability regulations in June linking program value to post-graduation income relative to high school diploma holders. In response, Senate Bill 1617 advanced from the Missouri Senate Education Committee earlier this year. The legislation would have prohibited public colleges and universities from using state funds for programs with “low-earning outcomes” under federal standards. The bill did not pass before the legislative session ended.
By the Numbers
June — Month U.S. Department of Education issued new accountability regulations.
Senate Bill 1617 — Missouri legislation considered earlier this year regarding state funds for low-earning programs.
71% — Percentage of alumni in the 2026 Gallup-Lumina study who said their education was worth the cost.
11% — Percentage of bachelor’s degree holders in the 2026 Gallup-Lumina study who believed colleges charge fair prices.
Zoom Out
The debate highlights a tension between economic metrics and broader educational goals. The Postsecondary Value Commission argued higher education should contribute to both a better living and a better life. Professions such as teachers, social workers, and school counselors serve the public good with salaries that may not reflect their societal value. Additionally, families, workplaces, and faith communities provide settings where individuals develop thoughtfulness and compassion.
What’s Next
With the legislative session concluded, Senate Bill 1617 is inactive for now. However, the federal focus on earnings data continues to influence how states evaluate higher education investments. Critics of strict salary metrics point out that abilities like critical thinking, communication, and intellectual curiosity help people navigate a changing economy over four or five decades.