A bill introduced in the Senate would expand student awareness and access to educational opportunities in accounting via the technology portion of the science, technology, engineering, and math program.

The notice of proposed rulemaking states that the exclusion of certain degree programs, including accounting, from the definition “does not reflect a value judgment” but rather serves as a technical term to define levels of federal student loan limits. An AICPA statement expressed appreciation for the “recognition of the broad definition and various aspects of the word ‘professional.’”