New Rules Could Shut Down Most Art Schools

A new rule from the federal government could force nearly half of all graduate art programs like painting, music, and theater to close. Schools would lose access to student loans if their graduates earn less than typical young workers with just a bachelor’s degree. These programs have four years to meet the standard or shut down. Most students in these fields already struggle to pay back loans because jobs in the arts pay less than other fields. If the rule passes, schools might have to cut programs or raise tuition, making art school even harder to afford. Some smaller art schools could even disappear completely.The government says it wants to protect students from bad investments. But critics argue the rule doesn’t understand how art careers really work. Many artists take years to build their careers, meaning low early earnings don’t always mean failure. Experts warn this could change how students choose their future. Some might avoid art school entirely, fearing they won’t make enough money. Others might pick different subjects just to avoid loan trouble. Schools that rely on federal funding could see big drops in enrollment. The rule also changes how schools get judged. Before, programs were compared to workers with just a high school diploma. Now, they’re measured against college graduates—making it much harder to pass.