Architecture no longer considered a "professional degree" in US !
Under the terms of the OBBBA, the provision of student loans in the USA will be overhauled starting 1 July, 2026, with borrowing amounts set to be determined by whether a degree is considered professional or not.
Architects, along with several careers including other nursing and accounting, will not be considered as "professional degrees", a move that was criticised by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
"The American Institute of Architects strongly opposes any proposal or policy that fails to recognize architects as professionals, particularly when designating which degrees qualify for student loan caps," said the AIA in a statement.
"The title of 'architect' is earned through years of rigorous education, extensive professional examinations, and a demanding licensing process," "To classify otherwise dismisses the expertise, professional standards, and dedication that define the profession."
The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which will replace all previous loan programs, will see borrowing capped at $20,500 for "graduate students" and $50,000 for "professional students".
"Lowering the loan cap will reduce the number of architects who can afford to pursue this professional degree and harm American leadership in this field," said the AIA.
"AIA will be actively engaged with policymakers to ensure that the essential role and professional standing of architects are properly recognized in federal policy. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity and value of the architectural profession."
The United States Senate has reintroduced the Democracy in Design Act to its chamber. The bill, introduced on September 19 by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), seeks to ensure communities have a voice in shaping federal buildings and that no single architectural style is imposed nationwide.
The move comes weeks after 'David Dennison' aka 'The notorious P.I.G.' introduced a new executive order making classical architecture the ‘preferred and default’ style for Federal public buildings.
Keep em poor, keep em sick, keep em stupid. Motto of the GOP.
