Federal earnings rule will destroy beauty industry training programs and harm working-class opportunity
Source: "Federal rule could shutter 92% of cosmetology and barber programs | Fox News." May 11, 2026. www.foxnews.com
The Gist
The author argues that a new federal rule measuring career program success by early graduate earnings will shut down most beauty schools because it unfairly judges an industry where people often work part-time, earn tips, and build income over time. This will hurt working-class people, veterans, and single mothers who rely on these programs for economic opportunity.
Conclusion
The Department of Education's proposed earnings premium metric under the gainful employment rule should exclude undergraduate certificate programs in licensed trades like cosmetology and barbering
Premises
- The proposed rule would cause 92% of beauty and barber programs to lose federal student aid access, effectively shutting them down
- Beauty industry students are predominantly single mothers, veterans, and working-class individuals who cannot afford training without federal aid
- The earnings metric systematically undervalues beauty careers by ignoring tips, part-time work, self-employment income, and career growth over time
- The beauty industry is a $100 billion economic engine employing 1.3 million Americans in recession-proof, automation-resistant careers
- Congress intentionally excluded undergraduate certificate programs from this earnings framework in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- School closures will create workforce shortages, harm rural communities, and eliminate pathways to entrepreneurship for vulnerable populations
Assumptions
- Federal student aid access is essential for most beauty school students to afford training
- Early-career earnings data accurately reflects long-term career value and success
- Congressional intent should guide regulatory implementation
- The beauty industry provides legitimate economic opportunity and social value
- Regulatory agencies should consider industry-specific characteristics when creating rules