04/28/2026
Attn: Massage therapist, Hairstylist, Estheticians
If you work in massage therapy, esthetics, or hairstyling, or you care about someone who does, this is important.
There is a proposed Department of Education rule that could limit federal funding for many entry level programs in our fields based on an earnings test. While the goal is to protect students, the way income is being measured does not reflect how our professions actually work.
Many of us do not work traditional full time schedules. A lot of income comes from tips or variable bookings that are not fully captured in federal data. Income also varies widely depending on location, experience, and client base. Because of this, the formula being used could make it look like our careers are not financially viable when that is not the full reality.
If implemented as written, this rule could put many schools at risk, which would eventually reduce the number of new professionals entering the field. That would impact salons, spas, clinics, and communities that rely on these services every day.
This is not about lowering standards. It is about making sure policies are based on accurate information about how our industries actually function.
If you care about protecting access to education and the future of our professions, now is the time to pay attention and speak up.
You can also contact your Arkansas representatives and tell them why this matters:
U.S. Representative for Little Rock area
French Hill
U.S. Senators for Arkansas
John Boozman
Tom Cotton
You can reach them through their official websites by using their contact forms.
Now is the time to make our voices heard if we want to protect access to education and the future of our professions.
Public comments can be submitted until May 20, 2026.
https://www.abmp.com/updates/legislative-updates/proposed-federal-rule-threatens-student-loan-access?fbclid=IwRlRTSARdfgtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeFeqSdBCIjeRl4chgpRzUJWTv5pA1M0A95PK-tHoVB0BvW_KqZDKB7P_ifDw_aem_88s4GdXTTToovMDkMKDWFg
Help protect massage therapy and wellness-related programs by submitting a comment by May 20. Your perspective as a practicing professional (whether you received financial aid or not), a business owner, an educator, or a school leader carries weight, particularly with your congressional representati...
