Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

My LER 2 free

Am I eligible? (Student)

Workforce Pell has two separate tests — this one is for you, the student. Quick eligibility check based on the rules enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025) and the Department of Education's March 2026 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

Rules are based on the proposed NPRM (public comment closed April 8, 2026). Final rules expected by July 1, 2026 and may differ.

Workforce Pell uses the same need-based eligibility process as regular Pell (FAFSA/SAI), with a few differences for short-term programs — most notably, bachelor's-degree holders can qualify. Based on FAFSA/SAI, prior education, and lifetime Pell usage. This tool gives a rough read; the definitive answer comes from submitting a FAFSA. Values in blue were pre-filled; edit any field to take ownership.

Prior education

Highest credential already earned Bachelor's holders CAN qualify for Workforce Pell (unlike regular Pell). Graduate/professional degree holders cannot.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) Total Pell used to date, as a percentage. Max is 600% (≈ 6 full-time years). You must be below 600%. Look up your personal LEU at studentaid.gov → Federal Student Aid Account → Aid Summary.

Financial need (rough FAFSA proxy)

Household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) From the tax return used for FAFSA. Dependent students should use their parents'.

Household size Number of people in household per FAFSA definition.

Current annual wages (yours) Optional — used only to contextualize opportunity cost although recent guidance indicates a potential requirement for wage bump to exceed tuition costs. Does not affect eligibility directly today (Pell is SAI-based, not wage-based).

Dependency status Required — affects how SAI is calculated and which AGI applies.

Program you plan to enroll in

Program tuition & fees (total) Published tuition + fees for the full program. Affects award size, not eligibility.

I've already confirmed this specific program is an approved Workforce Pell program at its institution. If unsure, use the Institution panel to evaluate the program first.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21 §§ 83001–83004, July 4, 2025), amending HEA § 401(j) to create the Workforce Pell Grant; U.S. Dept. of Education Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, "Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell," 91 Fed. Reg. (March 9, 2026); ED negotiated rulemaking consensus draft (Jan 2026); practitioner summaries from ACE, UPCEA, and Jobs for the Future. Final rules are expected on or before July 1, 2026 and may differ from the proposed rule.

Outcomes & earnings data. U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard, Most Recent Cohorts, Field-of-Study and Institution files (March 2026 release); completion rates use C150_L4 / C150_4 (150%-of-normal-time); earnings are median annual post-completion from IRS 1040 matches (EARN_MDN_HI_2YR). Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES), May 2024 release, state-level annual median wages. U.S. Dept. of Labor Employment & Training Administration WIOA Statewide Performance Assessments (ETA-9169) as state-level fallback for placement and earnings.

Economic adjustments. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services 2026 Poverty Guidelines (state-tiered 48-state / Alaska / Hawaii). Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (state, All Items, most recent release).

Program metadata. ler.me program pages (auto-harvested when embedded). IPEDS Completions Survey (C2024_A, C2024_DEP) optionally used for institution/program cross-referencing.

This tool is for informational use only and does not constitute a determination of aid eligibility.

Regular Pell Grant — Student

Standard Pell Grant — the traditional path. For programs of at least 600 clock hours and 15 weeks (or the equivalent in credit hours) at Title IV-participating institutions. This is different from Workforce Pell (which covers 150–599 hour / 8 to <15 week short programs). A key distinction: bachelor's-degree holders are NOT eligible for regular Pell, even though they can be for Workforce Pell.

AY 2026-27 Pell max confirmed at $7,395 per ED Dear Colleague Letter GEN-26-01 (Jan 30, 2026), effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-75, Feb 18, 2026 update). Minimum Pell award = $740 (10% of max, HEA § 401(a)(2)(F)). Under Pub. L. 119-21 (OBBBA), applicants with SAI ≥ 2× max ($14,790 for 2026-27) are ineligible for Pell, except Special Rule applicants.

Program eligibility is auto-filled from this page. Student financial data is mirrored from the Workforce Pell Student panel if you've completed it. Values in blue were pre-filled; amber-bordered fields are required but still empty.

Prior education

Highest credential already earned Regular Pell excludes bachelor's and graduate/professional holders. If you hold a BA, try the Workforce Pell Student calculator instead. Source: HEA § 401(c); 34 CFR 690.6.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) Total Pell used to date, as %. Cap is 600% (≈ 6 full-time years). Source: 34 CFR 690.66. Look up your LEU at studentaid.gov.

Financial need (FAFSA proxy)

Household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) From the FAFSA tax return. Source: HEA § 480; 34 CFR 690.62.

Household size Per FAFSA definition. Source: HEA § 480(k).

Dependency status Required — determines whose AGI applies (parent vs. student). Source: HEA § 480; 34 CFR 668.2.

Program tuition & fees (total) Affects your award size; Pell cannot exceed cost of attendance. Source: 34 CFR 690.63.

Other eligibility (auto-checked where possible)

I have a valid Social Security Number. Required by HEA § 484(a)(4).

I have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed an Ability-to-Benefit assessment. Required by HEA § 484(d); 34 CFR 668.32(e).

I am not in default on any federal student loan. Required by HEA § 484(a)(3); 34 CFR 668.35.

I am maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (or am a first-time student). Required by HEA § 484(c); 34 CFR 668.34.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended: § 401 (Federal Pell Grant authorization), § 480 (definitions — AGI, dependency, household), § 484 (student eligibility), § 485 (institutional disclosures). Implementing regulations: 34 CFR Part 690 (Federal Pell Grant Program), 34 CFR 668 (Student assistance general provisions), 34 CFR 600.2 (definition of "recognized credential"). Max award for AY 2025-26: $7,395. 2026-27 figure set by Dept. of Education annually before July 1.

Data sources used by this calculator. Program eligibility fields (clock hours, weeks, credential) are harvested from the host ler.me program page when embedded, falling back to the TCAT sample otherwise. Student financial inputs (AGI, household, dependency) are user-provided as a FAFSA proxy. LEU (Lifetime Eligibility Used) is a personal figure that only the student can verify at studentaid.gov (Federal Student Aid account → Aid Summary). Institution attributes (sector, OPEID, Title IV participation) auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. SAI estimation uses a simplified heuristic, not the official federal formula — submit an actual FAFSA for the definitive determination.
Auto-fill sources: Institution attributes (sector, OPEID, Title IV participation) auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. In-demand occupation alignment auto-detected from bundled Projections Central state 10-year occupational projections. Registered Apprenticeship status auto-detected via bundled DOL RAPIDS crosswalk when career-pathway SOCs match.

How this differs from Workforce Pell (Student). Regular Pell requires a longer program (≥600 clock hours / ≥15 weeks) and excludes bachelor's-degree holders; Workforce Pell is for shorter programs (150–599 hours / 8–<15 weeks) and includes bachelor's holders as an exception.

Informational only — actual Pell eligibility is determined by the Department of Education based on the student's FAFSA submission.

FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) — Student

$100–$4,000/year campus-based federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Awarded by the institution's financial aid office on a first-come-first-served basis. Pell-eligible students (lowest SAI) have priority. Unlike Pell, FSEOG is institutional — not every Title IV institution participates, and funds run out each year.

FSEOG funds are allocated to institutions by ED via a statutory formula (HEA § 413D; 34 CFR 676.8), then awarded to students at the financial aid office's discretion subject to the priority-for-Pell-recipients rule (HEA § 413C(b)). Being Pell-eligible puts you at the front of the line but doesn't guarantee FSEOG.

Student inputs mirror from the Workforce Pell Student panel. Institution info harvests from this page.

Institution & program

Institution Must be Title IV-eligible AND actively participate in FSEOG. Source: HEA § 413B.

Institution participates in FSEOG and has remaining funds for this award year. Not all Title IV institutions opt in. Check with financial aid office.

Student eligibility

Year in school FSEOG is undergraduate-only. Graduate students are not eligible. Source: HEA § 413A(c).

Pell-eligible (priority status). HEA § 413B(a)(2) requires institutions to give priority to Pell-eligible students, then to the lowest-SAI non-Pell undergrads.

Household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) From FAFSA. Mirrors Workforce Pell Student.

Household size Per FAFSA.

Enrollment intensity FSEOG awards prorate by enrollment status per 34 CFR 676.10(b).

Other baseline eligibility (self-attested)

Valid SSN, US citizen or eligible noncitizen. HEA § 484(a).

Not in default on any federal student loan. HEA § 484(a)(3).

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress. 34 CFR 668.34.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. HEA § 413A (FSEOG authorization), § 413B (allocation formula, priority), § 413C (institutional match — 25% non-federal), § 484 (student eligibility). 34 CFR Part 676 (FSEOG program regulations); 34 CFR 676.10 (payment period, enrollment status).

Informational only. FSEOG awards made at institution's discretion after FAFSA submission.

Federal Direct Loans — Student

Two types for undergraduates: Subsidized (need-based; government pays interest while in school) and Unsubsidized (no need requirement; interest accrues immediately). Annual and aggregate limits depend on year in school and dependency status. Graduate students can only take Unsubsidized + Grad PLUS.

Note: Workforce Pell programs cannot receive Direct Loans per Pub. L. 119-21 § 83001 (amending HEA § 401(j)) — if this program is Workforce Pell, only the Pell Grant applies. Regular Pell programs CAN stack Direct Loans. Check via the Workforce Pell Institution panel first.

Graduate-loan changes under OBBBA (for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2026). Pub. L. 119-21 § 83005 eliminates Grad PLUS for new borrowers and introduces a new lifetime cap on graduate unsubsidized borrowing ($100,000 aggregate for graduate programs, with a higher cap for professional programs). Borrowers with outstanding Grad PLUS balances before July 1, 2026 are generally grandfathered for the remainder of their current program of study. Undergraduate annual and aggregate limits are unchanged by OBBBA.

Student inputs mirror from the Workforce Pell Student panel. AY 2025-26 interest rate for undergraduate Direct loans: 6.39% (subsidized + unsubsidized), set from the May 2025 Treasury 10-yr auction per HEA § 455(b). AY 2026-27 rate will be set in May 2026.

Institution

Institution is Title IV-eligible and offers Direct Loans. Auto-verified from IPEDS when possible.

Program is NOT a Workforce Pell short-term program. Pub. L. 119-21 § 83001 prohibits Direct Loans at Workforce Pell programs — only the Pell Grant is available. Check Workforce Pell Institution panel.

Student year & dependency

Year in school Limits scale with year. Source: HEA § 428(b)(1); 34 CFR 685.203.

Dependency status Independent undergrads have higher loan limits. Source: 34 CFR 685.203(a).

Enrolled at least half-time. Required for Direct Loans. Source: 34 CFR 685.200.

Financial need exists (cost of attendance > SAI). Required for Subsidized loans; Unsubsidized has no need requirement. Source: HEA § 428(a)(2).

Limits & prior borrowing

Aggregate loan debt to date ($) Total Direct Loans borrowed across all years. Caps: $31,000 dependent undergrad / $57,500 independent undergrad / $138,500 graduate (incl undergrad). Source: 34 CFR 685.203(h).

Cost of Attendance (COA) for this program ($) Institution's published total COA. Direct Loans can't exceed COA minus other aid.

Expected other aid (Pell, scholarships, FSEOG) ($) Subtracted from COA to determine loan eligibility.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. HEA § 428 (Direct Loan authorization), § 455 (terms & conditions), § 484 (student eligibility), § 428H (unsubsidized annual + aggregate limits). 34 CFR Part 685 — Direct Loan Program: 685.200 (eligibility), 685.202 (interest), 685.203 (annual/aggregate limits). Interest rates set annually per HEA § 455(b); AY 2025-26 undergrad rate 6.39% (AY 2024-25 was 6.53%). Graduate-loan changes under Pub. L. 119-21 § 83005 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act): Grad PLUS eliminated for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2026; lifetime unsubsidized-grad aggregate cap of $100,000 (higher for professional programs). Existing borrowers grandfathered through current program of study.

Informational only. Loans originated by the institution's financial aid office based on FAFSA-determined need.

Federal Work-Study — Student

Part-time on-campus (or qualified off-campus) employment for students with financial need. Earnings are paid directly to you (or toward tuition/fees at your option) and do not count as income on future FAFSAs. Positions are coordinated by the institution's financial aid office.

Like FSEOG, Work-Study is campus-based — the institution must participate and have open positions. At least 7% of Work-Study positions must be for community service per statute.

Student inputs mirror from Workforce Pell Student. Institution info from this page.

Institution & availability

Institution

Institution participates in Federal Work-Study and has positions available. Source: HEA § 441; 34 CFR 675.10.

Institution is Title IV-eligible. Prerequisite. Auto-verified from IPEDS when possible.

Student eligibility

Student level FWS open to undergraduate and graduate students. Source: HEA § 443(b).

Have financial need per FAFSA (COA > SAI − other aid). Primary requirement. Source: HEA § 443(b).

Enrolled at least half-time (or, in some cases, less-than-half-time with FA office approval).

Expected weekly hours (optional) Typical FWS hours: 10–20/wk during enrollment. Max total earnings can't exceed FWS award amount.

Expected hourly wage ($) Must be at least federal minimum wage ($7.25). Many campuses pay $12–$18/hr. Source: 34 CFR 675.24.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. HEA § 441 (Work-Study authorization), § 443 (institutional agreements + student eligibility), § 446 (allocation formula). 34 CFR Part 675 — Federal Work-Study Program: 675.10 (participation), 675.18 (job availability + community service), 675.24 (wages), 675.25 (eligible jobs).

Informational only. Positions coordinated by institution's financial aid and student employment offices.

Title IV Program Participation — Institution

The umbrella eligibility test: does the institution meet all requirements to participate in Title IV federal student aid programs (Pell, Direct Loans, FSEOG, Work-Study, etc.)? Title IV participation is a prerequisite for every student-aid calculator in this widget. Loss of Title IV status means students can't receive federal aid at this institution.

Title IV compliance is evaluated by the Department of Education through Program Participation Agreements (PPA), compliance audits, financial-responsibility scores, and administrative-capability reviews. Losing Title IV status requires either provisional certification, heightened cash monitoring, or full withdrawal.

Institution harvested from this page. Most other fields are institutional-attestation checkboxes; verify against your Program Participation Agreement and most recent audit.

Institution identifiers

Institution Legal name on file with ED.

OPE ID (Office of Postsecondary Education ID) 8-digit federal ID assigned by ED. Look up at DAPIP database.

Institution sector Eligibility and rules vary by sector. Source: HEA § 102; 34 CFR 600.4–600.6.

State For state-authorization check.

Core eligibility (34 CFR 600.4–600.6)

Institution has a current Program Participation Agreement (PPA) with ED. PPAs are renewed at least every 6 years. Source: 34 CFR 668.14.

Institution is accredited by a CHEA- or ED-recognized accreditor. Source: HEA § 496; 34 CFR 602.

Institution is legally authorized to operate in its state (by charter, license, or other mechanism). Source: 34 CFR 600.9.

Admits HS diploma holders, GED holders, or ATB-qualifying students. Source: 34 CFR 668.32(e); HEA § 484(d).

Financial & administrative standards

Composite Financial Responsibility Score ED's composite score ranges from −1.0 to +3.0. ≥1.5 is fully responsible; 1.0–1.4 is zone; <1.0 fails. Source: 34 CFR 668, Subpart L.

Meets administrative capability standards: qualified staff, adequate records, verification procedures, NSLDS enrollment reporting. Source: 34 CFR 668.16.

Most recent 3-year Cohort Default Rate (%) Institution loses Title IV if CDR ≥30% three consecutive years OR ≥40% in one year. Source: HEA § 435(a); 34 CFR 668, Subpart M.

No current limitation, suspension, or termination (LST) action by ED. Source: 34 CFR 668, Subpart G.

Programs offered

Offers degree or certificate programs that meet Title IV definitions of eligible programs. Source: 34 CFR 668.8.

(Proprietary only) Revenue from federal sources ≤ 90% (90/10 rule, expanded in 2023 to include VA/DoD). Source: HEA § 487(a)(24); 34 CFR 668.28. N/A for public/non-profit.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Higher Education Act § 102 (eligible institution definition), § 485 (PPA), § 496 (accreditation), § 487 (90/10 rule), § 435 (cohort default rates); 34 CFR Part 600 (institutional eligibility), Part 668 (student assistance general provisions — PPAs, admin capability, financial responsibility, LST, CDR, 90/10), Part 602 (recognized accreditors).

Data sources used. Institution name + state harvested from this page. OPEID, sector, Title-IV-prerequisite attestations (PPA, accreditation, state authorization): auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024 when institution is an active Title IV participant. Financial responsibility composite score: auto-filled from bundled ED AY 2022-23 Composite Scores (private/proprietary). Cohort Default Rate: auto-filled from bundled ED ED FSA Partner Connect — Default Management (COVID-pause sparse). HCM status: auto-warned from bundled ED HCM list (Dec 2025). Additional verification via DAPIP, Database of Accredited Institutions, and FSA Partner Connect.

Informational only. ED determines final Title IV eligibility via the PPA process and ongoing compliance review.

VA Program Approval (SAA) — Institution

Before veterans can use GI Bill benefits (Ch 30 / 31 / 33 / 35 / 1606) at an institution, each program must be approved by the state's State Approving Agency (SAA). SAA approval is separate from Title IV eligibility and from institutional accreditation. The VA pays only for SAA-approved programs listed in WEAMS.

SAAs are state agencies that contract with the VA to review program approvals. Approval criteria include accreditation, clearly-defined objectives, adequate records, progress standards, refund policies, and the 85/15 Rule. This is the program-side complement to the GI Bill (Student) calculator.

Institution and state are harvested from this page. Most other fields are institutional attestations.

Identifiers

Institution Harvested from this page.

State (SAA jurisdiction) Each state has a designated SAA. Source: 38 USC § 3671.

VA Facility Code 6-character code assigned by VA. Look up at WEAMS Public.

Program CIP code Programs are individually approved; not automatically by institution.

Core SAA approval criteria (38 USC § 3675)

Institution is accredited by an ED-recognized accreditor. SAA approval requires accreditation for most program types. Source: 38 USC § 3675(a)(2).

Program is currently listed in WEAMS as SAA-approved. Verify at WEAMS Public.

Institution publishes a catalog with program objectives, admissions requirements, tuition, graduation requirements, and attendance/progress rules. Source: 38 CFR 21.4253(d).

Maintains adequate records of student progress, attendance, grades — retained ≥3 years after enrollment end. Source: 38 CFR 21.4253(e).

Has a pro-rata refund policy for students who withdraw (tuition refunded proportional to unused portion). Source: 38 CFR 21.4255.

Has published satisfactory-progress standards and non-punitive attendance rules. Source: 38 CFR 21.4253(d)(3).

85/15 Rule (38 USC § 3680A(d))

At least 15% of students in any program receiving VA benefits must be paying with non-federal funds (i.e., ≤85% can be VA-funded). Violations pause VA benefits for new enrollees in that program.

% of students using VA benefits in this program Calculated per program, not institution-wide.

Program has an approved 85/15 waiver or exception (new program within 2 years, certain apprenticeships, etc.). Source: 38 CFR 21.4201(f).

Restricted activities / integrity

Institution is not subject to restrictions under 38 USC § 3696 (erroneous, deceptive, or misleading recruiting or advertising). Source: 38 USC § 3696; 38 CFR 21.4252(h).

Institution complies with the incentive compensation ban for recruiters (no commissions tied to enrollment numbers). Source: 38 USC § 3696; HEA § 487(a)(20) — applies to Title IV too.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. 38 USC Chapter 36 (education program approval); § 3671 (SAA establishment), § 3672 (program approvals), § 3675 (approval of courses offered by IHL), § 3676 (approval of non-accredited courses), § 3680A (85/15 Rule), § 3696 (restrictions on advertising). Implementing regulations: 38 CFR Part 21, Subpart D (Veterans' Educational Assistance — Approval of Courses): 21.4251–21.4266.

Data sources used. Institution + state: harvested from this page. VA Facility Code, WEAMS listing, and program-level caution flags are pre-filled from the bundled VA GI Bill Comparison Tool export (WEAMS-synced). Accreditation: auto-confirmed via bundled IPEDS Directory 2024 when institution is an active Title IV participant. Catalog, records, refunds, progress, 85/15: institutional records.

Informational only. SAA approval determinations made by the state SAA in coordination with the VA.

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) — Student

Up to $4,000 lifetime ($2,000 per fiscal year cap) of DoD financial assistance for portable-career training — associate's degrees, state licensure, or industry certification. Administered by the Department of Defense via MilitaryOneSource.mil. Only for spouses of active-duty service members in specific pay grades (junior enlisted through junior officer).

MyCAA is administered under 10 USC § 1784a. Applications go through mycaa.militaryonesource.mil. The program must be on the DoD approved list; most associate's, professional licenses, and industry certifications at accredited institutions qualify.

Institution and credential type are prefilled from this page. Answer questions about your spouse's service status and your remaining MyCAA balance.

Spouse status

Spouse's service status Only spouses of active-duty SMs (or Reserve/Guard on Title 10 orders) in eligible pay grades qualify. Source: 10 USC § 1784a.

Service member's pay grade MyCAA-eligible grades: E-1 through E-5, W-1 through W-2, O-1 through O-2. Grade at time spouse starts training (not retired/former). Source: DoDI 1322.25.

I am currently married to the service member. Eligibility ends upon divorce; benefits paid to date remain but no new funding will issue. Source: DoDI 1322.25 § 3.1.

(For Reserve/Guard) SM is on federally-funded Title 10 orders (not state-active-duty / Title 32). Activation for federal service, not state missions, is what confers MyCAA spouse eligibility for Reserve families.

Program & credential

Institution Auto-filled from this page.

Credential type Only associate's, licensure, or industry certification qualify. Bachelor's, master's, and terminal certificate programs (other than the approved list) do NOT qualify.

Program/institution is on the MyCAA-approved list. Verify at mycaa.militaryonesource.mil → School/Program search.

I will enroll within 15 months of requesting MyCAA financial assistance. Required by DoDI 1322.25.

Funding remaining

Lifetime MyCAA used so far ($) MyCAA lifetime cap is $4,000. Check your current balance at mycaa.militaryonesource.mil.

Current fiscal year used ($) FY cap is $2,000/year (Oct 1–Sep 30).

Program tuition & fees ($) How much this program costs total. MyCAA pays tuition and fees only (not books/supplies).

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. 10 USC § 1784a (Employment Assistance for Military Spouses); Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1322.25 — Voluntary Education Programs. Funding is appropriated to the DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program via annual NDAA authorizations. Program administered by MilitaryOneSource under DoD Military Community and Family Policy.

Data sources used. Institution + credential type harvested from this page. Service-member status & current MyCAA balance: user-attested; verifiable at mycaa.militaryonesource.mil (login required). Approved program list: MyCAA School/Program search.

Informational only. Apply for MyCAA at mycaa.militaryonesource.mil. Counselor assistance: call Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647.

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) — Student

If you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, "food stamps"), your state may pay for this program through SNAP E&T. The program must be on your state's approved E&T provider list, and your state must operate an E&T program that partners with education providers (most do). Benefits can include tuition, supportive services (transportation, childcare), and participant reimbursements.

SNAP E&T is a state-administered federal program under 7 USC § 2015(d)(4). Participation rules vary substantially by state. This tool pre-screens against the federal criteria; final determination is by the state SNAP agency.

Program info auto-fills from this page. Answer questions about your SNAP status. Use the state SNAP agency link below to verify E&T provider status.

SNAP recipient status

I currently receive SNAP benefits (or I'm in my state's SNAP application process). Source: 7 USC § 2015(d)(4)(B).

I am an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) age 18–54, no minor children, not disabled. ABAWDs have mandatory work/training requirements (80 hrs/mo) to keep SNAP beyond 3 months in a 36-month period — E&T participation satisfies it. Age ceiling raised to 54 under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 118-5); additional time-limit exemptions apply for homeless individuals, veterans, and youth aging out of foster care (same statute). State-level ABAWD waivers may also apply in areas with elevated unemployment. Source: 7 USC § 2015(o).

I am work-registered under SNAP (age 16–59, able to work, not primary caregiver of a child under 6). Work registration is automatic for most SNAP recipients. Source: 7 CFR 273.7.

Age SNAP E&T eligibility generally age 16+. Some age-based mandatory vs. voluntary rules.

State E&T program & provider

State State SNAP agency administers E&T. All 50 states operate SNAP E&T in some form.

Institution Must partner with state SNAP E&T as an approved provider.

Institution is an approved SNAP E&T provider with a Third-Party Provider Agreement (3PP) with the state SNAP agency. Verify with state SNAP office or institution's financial aid office.

Program qualifies as an allowable E&T activity: career & technical education, vocational training, or a program leading to employment. Source: 7 USC § 2015(d)(4)(B); 7 CFR 273.7(e)(1).

Supportive services (50/50 reimbursable)

SNAP E&T can also reimburse these participant costs via the 50/50 match (state gets 50% federal match on allowable expenses). Amounts vary by state.

Transportation assistance (gas cards, bus passes, mileage reimbursement).

Childcare assistance while in training.

Books, tools, uniforms, equipment required for training.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 USC § 2015(d)(4) (E&T program); § 2015(o) (ABAWD work requirement); § 2025(h) (federal funding, 50/50 match); implementing regs: 7 CFR 273.7 (work provisions & E&T). Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 reauthorization of E&T.

Data sources used. Institution + state: harvested from this page. SNAP recipient / ABAWD status: self-attested — the state SNAP agency is the authority. Provider approval: verifiable with state SNAP agency or via institutional financial aid office's SNAP E&T Third-Party Provider Agreement.

Informational only. Apply through your state SNAP agency (find via USDA FNS SNAP State Directory).

TANF Training — Student

If you receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — cash assistance for low-income families with children), the training can count toward your work participation requirements. Some states also pay for training directly through TANF funds. This is state-administered with significant variation.

TANF is a block grant under 42 USC § 601 et seq. States have broad discretion in defining allowable training activities and work-participation credit. This tool pre-screens against federal baselines; your state caseworker determines specifics.

Program info auto-fills from this page. TANF rules differ sharply by state — check your state's TANF policy manual for specifics.

TANF recipient status

I currently receive TANF cash assistance for my family. Source: 42 USC § 608(a).

I am a work-eligible adult (not exempt due to disability, caregiver of child under 1, etc.). Work-eligible adults must participate in work activities to maintain full cash grant. Source: 42 USC § 607.

Single or two-parent family? Affects required hours/week of work participation. Single parent with child under 6: 20 hrs/wk; other single parent: 30 hrs/wk; two-parent family: 35 hrs/wk. Source: 42 USC § 607(c).

Months receiving TANF (lifetime total) Federal TANF lifetime limit: 60 months. Some states shorter. Source: 42 USC § 608(a)(7).

Training as a work activity

Program counts as vocational educational training under TANF core work activities. Limited to 12 months lifetime for this activity alone (42 USC § 607(d)(8)). States also face a 30% cap on the share of the work-eligible caseload counted via voc-ed at any one time (42 USC § 607(c)(2)(D)); check your state TANF plan's current utilization.

Program is job-skills training directly related to employment. Non-core activity (counts only after core hours are met). Source: 42 USC § 607(d)(11).

State TANF agency has approved this program for work-participation credit. State TANF manuals list approved programs/providers.

State pays for training directly through TANF funds. Varies — some states reimburse tuition, others only count hours toward work requirement.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), 42 USC § 601 et seq.; § 607 (work participation requirements); § 607(d) (core vs. non-core activities, including § 607(d)(8) vocational ed, § 607(d)(11) job-skills training); § 608(a)(7) (60-month lifetime limit); implementing regs: 45 CFR Parts 260–265.

Data sources used. Institution + state: harvested from this page. TANF recipient & work-eligibility status: self-attested. State training approval + direct funding: state-specific, varies.

Informational only. Apply through your state TANF agency — contact your caseworker or find the state agency via HHS ACF Hotlines & Helplines.

Pathway to Degree / Stackability — Student & Institution

Does this short-term credential stack into a higher credential (associate's, bachelor's) or portable employer-recognized certifications? This is both a Workforce Pell NPRM requirement (§ 668.830 — credentials must be stackable and portable) and a student question (where does this program lead?). Evaluates six dimensions: credential recognition, documented pathway, articulation/credit transfer, portability across employers, time to next credential, and industry sanction.

Stackability is about both vertical progression (cert → associate's → bachelor's) and horizontal portability (credential recognized by multiple employers). The Workforce Pell rule requires at least one of these to be true.

Current credential and "stacks into" target are auto-filled from this page's harvested data (ler.me's Related Credentials section). Other fields are either institutional attestations or student confirmations.

Current credential

Current credential type Diploma, certificate, associate's, etc. Auto-filled from this page.

Institution Awarding institution.

Credential is recognized (awarded by accredited institution, or a widely-recognized industry certification such as CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, etc.). Source: 34 CFR 600.2; Workforce Pell NPRM § 668.830.

Portable across more than one employer in the field (industry-standard, not proprietary to a single firm). Workforce Pell: "stackable and portable across more than one employer, or prepares for an occupation with only one recognized credential."

Vertical stacking — pathway to a higher credential

✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this information (articulation agreements, credit-transfer policies, time-to-next-credential) may be pre-populated for you from institutional partnerships data.

Stacks into (next credential) Auto-filled from ler.me's "Related Credentials" section when available.

Target credential level The highest credential this pathway leads to.

Target institution (if transferring) Partner institution where the next credential is earned.

Estimated time to next credential (months) After completing this program, how long to the target credential? Reasonable: <24 months means the pathway is practical.

A formal articulation agreement (or published credit-transfer policy) exists between this institution and the target. Articulation agreements lock in credit transfer.

Credits earned here transfer to the target credential. Key distinction: some credentials "lead to" a degree but don't reduce time-to-degree.

Horizontal stacking — industry recognition

Program prepares students for a nationally-recognized industry certification (e.g., CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, NCCER, ASE, NIMS, etc.). Portable across employers; Workforce Pell-qualifying.

Program prepares for a state licensure exam (nursing, cosmetology, HVAC EPA 608, etc.). Licensed fields are typically portable within the state; some have reciprocity.

Program counts toward a Registered Apprenticeship (DOL-registered via apprenticeship.gov). Automatic WIOA/ETPL eligibility. Source: WIOA § 122(a)(2)(A).

Sources & citations

Regulatory basis. Workforce Pell NPRM credential requirement (91 Fed. Reg., March 9, 2026) — program must lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is "stackable and portable across more than one employer" OR prepares students for an occupation with only one recognized credential. Perkins V § 2302(41) requires CTE programs to be sequenced toward recognized credentials.

Data sources used. Current credential type and "stacks into" target: harvested from this page's Related Credentials / Pathway sections. Articulation & credit transfer: institution-provided (consult institutional transfer policy + state articulation databases). Industry certifications and licensure: self-attested / verifiable via credentialing body registries. Registered Apprenticeship: cross-check at apprenticeship.gov.

Informational only. Actual credit transfer depends on institutional policies and the receiving institution's acceptance.

Perkins V (CTE) — Institution

Does this Career & Technical Education (CTE) program meet the eligibility and performance standards for Perkins V federal funding (Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, 20 USC 2301)? Perkins V requires CTE programs to meet size, scope, and quality requirements, align with in-demand occupations, and report on five postsecondary performance indicators (1P1 through 5P1). States set their own targets; programs failing to meet 90% of their state-negotiated target on any indicator for 2+ consecutive years may trigger an improvement plan.

Perkins V is administered by the state CTE agency (in TN: Tennessee Board of Regents + TN Dept. of Education CTE). This check evaluates against federal common defaults; confirm your state's negotiated levels of performance on the state's Perkins V plan.

State, CIP, credential, and outcome fields prefill from this page and the existing data cascade. Thresholds are state-editable defaults (90% of typical state-negotiated levels).

Program identifiers

State State CTE agency that administers Perkins V funding.

CIP code 6-digit CIP. Must map to a state-approved CTE program of study. Source: 20 USC 2302(41).

Institution Must be a postsecondary institution offering CTE.

Credential type Diploma, certificate, or associate's degree typical for Perkins-funded CTE.

Program fit (size, scope, quality)

Program is part of a state-approved CTE program of study — sequences academic + technical content leading to a recognized credential. Source: 20 USC 2302(41); state Perkins V plan.

Meets state-defined size, scope, and quality requirements. Set by each state per 20 USC 2354(b)(3). Typical elements: minimum enrollment, industry-relevant sequencing, work-based learning.

Prepares students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations in the region/state. Source: 20 USC 2355(d). Typically cross-referenced with state LMI reports. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Has documented industry/employer partnerships (advisory committee, work-based learning, or direct hiring agreements). Source: 20 USC 2355(d)(3).

Performance indicators (postsecondary)

Perkins V requires reporting on four postsecondary indicators (1P1 / 2P1 / 3P1 / 5P1). The default thresholds here fall back to the federal baseline; when the widget has a bundled state SNLP record for the entered state (PERKINS_SNLP), it auto-populates the targets for that performance year. SNLPs are renegotiated every two years per 20 USC § 2323(b)(3). Override either source by typing directly in the threshold input.

1P1 — Postsecondary placement rate (%) Share of CTE concentrators placed in postsecondary ed, advanced training, military, apprenticeship, or employment 2nd quarter after program completion. Source: 20 USC 2323(b)(2)(C).

1P1 threshold (%) State SNLP. Default 60% (federal baseline; most states negotiate higher).

2P1 — Postsecondary retention (%) Share of concentrators retained in program or transferred to a 4-year program.

2P1 threshold (%)

3P1 — Credential attainment (%) Share earning a recognized postsecondary credential within 1 year of completion. Source: 20 USC 2323(b)(2)(C)(iii).

3P1 threshold (%)

5P1 — Nontraditional concentration (%) Share of CTE concentrators from the nontraditional gender for their occupational field (e.g., women in welding). Source: 20 USC 2323(b)(2)(C)(v).

5P1 threshold (%)

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), Pub. L. 115-224; 20 USC 2301 et seq. Key provisions: § 2302(41) (CTE program of study), § 2323 (performance accountability — 5 indicators), § 2354(b)(3) (size/scope/quality), § 2355(d) (program requirements including industry partnerships). Regulations: 34 CFR Part 400 et seq.

Data sources. State, CIP, credential, institution: harvested from this page. Credential attainment and placement figures: Scorecard / PSEO / WIOA cascade already in this widget (approximate proxies for the 1P1/2P1/3P1 indicators). In-demand occupation alignment auto-detected from bundled Projections Central state 10-year occupational projections. Registered Apprenticeship status auto-detected via bundled DOL RAPIDS crosswalk when career-pathway SOCs match. State SNLPs (state-negotiated levels of performance): vary by state; see state Perkins V plan. Typical defaults shown.

Informational only. Official Perkins V determinations are made by the state CTE agency under the state's approved Perkins V plan. Apply via the state CTE office (TN: TN Dept of Education CTE).

Time-to-Break-Even — Student & Institution

How long does the earnings boost from this program take to pay back the cost? Total investment (tuition + supplies + any wages you'd give up during the program) is divided by your annual earnings uplift — the difference between post-completion earnings and what a worker earns with just a HS diploma in your state.

This is a directional ROI estimate, not a guarantee. It doesn't account for tax treatment, time-value of money, individual performance, or income growth — use it as an order-of-magnitude check.

All fields auto-fill from this page (tuition, supplies, duration) and the Scorecard/BLS/PSEO cascade (post-completion earnings). Baseline HS-grad earnings come from the state ACS table.

Program investment

Total tuition & fees ($) Published tuition + fees for the full program.

Textbooks/supplies ($) Optional but common for vocational programs.

Program duration (months) Used to compute forgone wages during the program.

Current annual wages ($) Optional — what you're earning now (forgone during the program, if you attend full-time). Source: recent guidance suggests forgone wages are part of a fair ROI calculation.

Earnings after completion

Post-completion median earnings ($/yr) From the Scorecard/PSEO/BLS cascade (same value as the Workforce Pell Institution panel's earnings field).

Baseline — state HS-grad median ($/yr) What working adults 25–34 with only a HS diploma earn in your state. Source: Census ACS 5-yr estimates (same table used by the Gainful Employment calculator).

Sources & citations

Methodology. Break-even = (tuition + supplies + forgone_wages) ÷ (post_earnings − state_hs_grad_earnings). Lifetime ROI horizon fixed at 40 working years. No discount rate applied; nominal dollars. This approach mirrors the economic ROI logic in the College Scorecard and CBO education-investment analyses.

Data sources. Program cost and duration: harvested from this page. Published tuition & required fees (in-state) auto-fill from bundled IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024 (cost1_2024) when this page didn't carry a dollar figure. Post-completion earnings: Scorecard/PSEO/BLS cascade. State HS-grad baseline: bundled ACS 5-year estimates (working adults 25–34, HS diploma only). Forgone wages: user-provided.

Informational only. Individual earnings trajectories vary.

Net Cost After Aid — Student

The bottom line. Total program cost minus every form of aid you qualify for: Pell Grant, GI Bill, WIOA voucher, state scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and other scholarships. Pell and GI Bill estimates auto-compute from your answers in the other student panels.

Awards are estimates. Actual awards from FAFSA, VA, or your employer may differ. Pell and GI Bill use the same heuristics as the other calculators in this widget.

Program cost fields prefill from this page. Pell and GI Bill amounts auto-compute if you've filled in the Workforce Pell Student / Regular Pell / GI Bill panels. Other aid sources are optional.

Program cost

Total tuition & fees ($) Published program cost.

Textbooks/supplies ($) Prefilled from page when available.

Other costs ($) — optional Transportation, room/board, test fees, etc. Not counted in most Pell cost-of-attendance.

Federal aid estimates

Click Compute to pull current values from the other student calculators. You can also override any line manually.

Pell Grant estimate ($) Auto-computed from your Workforce Pell Student or Regular Pell inputs (whichever applies based on program length). Max AY 2025-26 and AY 2026-27: $7,395.

GI Bill tuition coverage ($) Auto-computed from the GI Bill panel (Ch 33 tier × min(tuition, $29,920.95 cap)). Other chapters: enter your expected VA payment.

Other aid sources

WIOA Title I voucher ($) If program is on the state ETPL and you've been determined WIOA-eligible.

State aid / scholarships ($) E.g., Tennessee Reconnect, Cal Grant, NY TAP, or your state's equivalent. Enter the amount this program would receive.

Employer tuition assistance ($) If your employer pays directly or via reimbursement.

Institutional / private scholarships ($) Any additional scholarships you've won or expect.

Sources & citations

Data sources. Program cost: harvested from this page. Published net price + income-band net price (bands $0-30k / $30-48k / $48-75k / $75-110k / $110k+) pre-filled from bundled IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024 (cost2_2024). When student AGI is known, the income band's average is used instead of the all-students published net price. Room + board pre-filled from cost1_2024 (on-campus figures). Average Pell award pre-filled from bundled IPEDS Student Financial Aid 2023-24 (institution's actual average Pell $ to full-time, first-time undergrads). Pell estimate (if SFA not available): SAI heuristic from the Workforce Pell Student / Regular Pell calculators (HEA § 401; 34 CFR 690). GI Bill estimate: uses the Post-9/11 (Ch 33) tier × tuition cap formula (38 USC § 3313). Other aid: user-entered.

Informational only. Actual awards determined by FAFSA, VA, state agencies, and the institution. Some aid may reduce eligibility for other aid (e.g., state scholarships may be "last-dollar" after Pell).

Gainful Employment — Institution

Tests this program against the 2023 Gainful Employment (GE) Final Rule. Applies to all non-degree programs at all institutions and all programs at proprietary institutions. Two tests: the Debt-to-Earnings (D/E) ratio and the Earnings Premium (EP) test. A program that fails either test in 2 out of 3 consecutive years loses Title IV eligibility for 3 years.

This is the Department of Education's direct ROI test — the regulatory cousin to Workforce Pell's value-added-earnings requirement. Data for official GE reporting comes from IPEDS, NSLDS, and SSA earnings matches; this widget uses public College Scorecard data as a directional proxy.

Enforcement status. ED published the first official GE rates in January 2025. Title IV consequences (loss of eligibility for programs failing 2 of 3 years per 34 CFR § 668.405) are currently under regulatory review and enforcement has been paused pending rulemaking; institution-level disclosure obligations under 34 CFR § 668.407 remain in effect regardless of enforcement status. Verdicts below are directional and still inform student-facing disclosures.

Tuition, state, and median earnings are pre-filled from this page (via Scorecard/BLS cascade). You'll need to provide median graduate debt — look it up at collegescorecard.ed.gov (search the institution, find this program's "Typical Loan Debt"). Values in blue were pre-filled; amber-bordered fields are required.

Program identifiers

Institution Harvested from this page.

State Used to look up the HS-grad earnings baseline for the Earnings Premium test.

CIP code 6-digit CIP. GE reporting is program-specific.

Credential level GE applies to all non-degree programs regardless of institution, plus all programs at proprietary institutions. Source: 34 CFR 668.403.

Debt-to-Earnings (D/E) test

Formula: annual_loan_payment / median_earnings and annual_loan_payment / (earnings − 150% FPL single). Pass if either ≤ 8% / ≤ 20% respectively. Fail if both > thresholds. Source: 34 CFR 668.403; 88 FR 70004 (Oct. 10, 2023).

Median total loan debt at completion ($) Combined federal + private educational debt incurred at this institution by program completers. Look up the institution + program at collegescorecard.ed.gov under "Typical Total Debt." Source: 34 CFR 668.403(d).

Median annual earnings ($) Program graduates 2 years post-completion. Pre-filled from the Scorecard/PSEO/BLS cascade.

Loan interest rate (%) Used to amortize the median debt over 10 years. Default 6.39% = Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized undergraduate rate for AY 2025-26 (effective July 1, 2025). Set by Treasury 10-yr auction + 2.05 pp per HEA § 455(b).

Amortization term (years) ED uses 10 years for undergraduate programs, 15 years for graduate/professional. Source: 34 CFR 668.403(c).

150% federal poverty line (1-person) ($) Used for the discretionary earnings calculation. Auto-set from state (AK/HI tiered).

Earnings Premium (EP) test

The program's median earnings must exceed the median earnings of working adults 25–34 in the state who have only a high-school diploma. Source: 34 CFR 668.404; 88 FR 70004.

State HS-grad median earnings (age 25–34) ($) Auto-filled from the state HS-grad earnings table (ACS 5-year estimates). Override with a more specific figure if you have one.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. 2023 Gainful Employment Final Rule, 88 Fed. Reg. 70004 (October 10, 2023); 34 CFR Part 668 Subpart Q (GE regulations); 34 CFR 668.402 (definitions), 668.403 (D/E rates), 668.404 (Earnings Premium), 668.405 (eligibility consequences). Effective date: July 1, 2024.

Data sources used. Tuition and institution from the ler.me program page. Median earnings from the Scorecard/PSEO/BLS cascade already populating this widget. State HS-grad median earnings hard-coded from ACS 5-year estimates (working adults 25–34, HS diploma only) — approximate; ED uses more specific data via SSA matches in the official GE determination. Median loan debt must be user-supplied — look up at collegescorecard.ed.gov.

Informational only. Official GE determinations come from ED's GE reporting process using IPEDS + NSLDS + SSA matched data; this widget's estimates may differ from ED's published D/E rates.

State ETPL / WIOA Voucher — Institution

Is this program on the state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)? Programs on the ETPL can accept WIOA Title I training vouchers (Individual Training Accounts) for adults, dislocated workers, and out-of-school youth. Approval is state-by-state under WIOA § 122; performance indicators are set by WIOA § 116; state policy and de-registration procedures are at 20 CFR § 680.410 and § 680.450 respectively. ETPL listing can also support "industry alignment" under the proposed Workforce Pell NPRM (34 CFR 668.820(c)).

ETPL rules are state-specific. This check evaluates against common WIOA § 116 performance defaults; confirm your state's exact thresholds via the state portal linked below. Program data prefills from this ler.me page automatically.

Evaluates against six criteria: ETPL listing, completion rate, Q2 employment rate, recognized credential, in-demand alignment, and provider eligibility. Values in blue were pre-filled from this page and are shared with the Workforce Pell panels; edit any field to override.

Program identifiers

State State workforce agency that administers this ETPL.

CIP code 6-digit CIP, e.g., 11.0901. Programs on ETPL are indexed by CIP.

Institution name Must be a recognized training provider under state WIOA criteria.

Credential type Diploma, Certificate, Associate's, etc. Must be a recognized postsecondary credential.

ETPL listing

Program is currently listed on the state's ETPL (verified).

State ETPL lookup portal Auto-linked from the detected state. Use this to verify.

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WIOA §116 performance indicators

Thresholds are state-set under WIOA. We use common defaults; override for your state.

Completion rate (%) Share of enrollees completing. WIOA common default: ≥50%. Threshold is editable →

Completion threshold (%) State-set minimum. Varies 40–70% across states. National PY25 Q1 training-services credential rate: Adult 74.2% · Dislocated Worker 75.2% · Youth 71.7% (DOL-ETA NQR, 9/30/2025).

Employment rate Q2 after exit (%) Primary WIOA §116 indicator. Typical threshold: 60–70%.

Placement threshold (%) State-set. Default 60%. National PY25 Q1 training-services Q2 employment: Adult 80.1% · Dislocated Worker 79.6% · Youth 79.7% (DOL-ETA NQR, 9/30/2025).

Median earnings Q2 after exit ($ annual equivalent) WIOA §116 indicator. Many states use a per-quarter threshold (e.g., $3,500/qtr ≈ $14,000/yr). National PY25 Q1 training-services Q2 median earnings: Adult $9,707/qtr · Dislocated Worker $11,621/qtr · Youth $6,830/qtr (DOL-ETA NQR, 9/30/2025).

Earnings threshold ($ annual) State-set minimum. Default $14,000/yr (~$3,500/qtr) — sits below national medians so a reasonable share of providers clear the bar.

Provider eligibility (WIOA §122)

Program leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or a measurable skill gain that prepares for unsubsidized employment.

Program has been determined by the state/local workforce board to align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Institution has submitted an ETPL application and been approved under the state's WIOA §122 procedures (or is a Registered Apprenticeship — automatic eligibility).

Institution has reported WIOA §116 performance data for this program for the most recent year.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) §122 (eligible training providers) and §116 (performance accountability); 20 CFR Parts 680.400–680.530 (provider eligibility); reporting schema per ETA-9169 (OMB Control No. 1205-0526, expires 4/30/2027).

Performance benchmarks (national). PY25 Q1 training-services cohort from DOL-ETA National Quarterly Reports (9/30/2025 release, rolling 4 quarters). Inline "National benchmark:" text in the threshold fields shows these figures so state-set thresholds can be interpreted against actual national performance. Source constant: WIOA_NQR_2025.

State ETPL source directory. 52 states · 107 discovered sources · 228,799 indexed programs (April 2026 extraction), provided by ConsumerChoiceTraining (consumerchoicetraining.com). State portal + Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) sources listed under the ETPL lookup link when available. Source constant: ETPL_SOURCES. A companion directory for dual-enrollment sources (49 states · 104 sources, same attribution) is bundled as DUAL_ENROLLMENT_SOURCES for future use.

Legacy WIOA performance. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) §122 (eligible training providers) and §116 (performance accountability); 20 CFR Parts 680.400–680.530 (provider eligibility and performance); 20 CFR 677 (common performance reporting requirements). State determinations and thresholds set by each state's Governor and workforce board.

Performance data. U.S. Dept. of Labor ETA WIOA Statewide Performance Assessments (ETA-9169) for state aggregates; U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard and Census PSEO for program-level proxies when state ETPL-level performance isn't published. In-demand occupation alignment auto-detected from bundled Projections Central state 10-year occupational projections. Institution attributes (sector, OPEID, Title IV participation) auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024.

State ETPL portals. Each state maintains a public lookup. Generic fallback: CareerOneStop — Find Local Training.

This tool is for informational use only. Final ETPL determination rests with the state workforce agency.

Is our program eligible? (Institution)

Workforce Pell has two separate tests — this one evaluates the program. Quick eligibility check based on the rules enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025) and the Department of Education's March 2026 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

Rules are based on the proposed NPRM (public comment closed April 8, 2026). Final rules expected by July 1, 2026 and may differ.

Evaluates against the eight program-level criteria: clock hours, weeks, completion rate, placement rate, value-added earnings, recognized credential, industry alignment, and Governor approval. Fields pre-fill from the host page where possible. Missing data produces an "indeterminate" verdict on that criterion and is listed in the gap summary at the bottom. Values in blue were pre-filled from this page (or from ler.me occupation links); edit any field to take ownership.

Program structure

Clock hours of instruction Must be ≥150 and <600. If the host page doesn't publish clock hours, we estimate: weeks × 30 hrs/week.

Program length in weeks Must be ≥8 and <15.

Outcomes

✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, your state may have this data pre-populated for you.

Completion rate (%) Share of students who complete within 150% of normal time. Threshold: ≥70%.

Job placement rate (%) NPRM definition: employment in the 2nd quarter after completion, with occupation-matching. Threshold: ≥70%. Note: Census PSEO publishes placement rates only at the 2-digit CIP level (broader subject family, not program-specific) — disclosure restriction. When PSEO auto-fills this field, the value reflects the institution's aggregate rate across the entire 2-digit CIP group, not the specific program.

Value-added earnings (ROI test)

Test: median earnings (BEA-adjusted) − 150% × federal poverty line > published tuition & fees. The NPRM uses actual completer earnings. Until those are available, we proxy using the median wage of the career-pathway occupations — ler.me is our preferred source (BLS-sourced, current) and paid subscribers get state-level figures automatically.

Occupational wage proxy

Auto-fetched with cascade: (1) ler.me paid-subscriber state-level wages → (2) BLS state page direct → (3) ler.me national wage + BEA RPP state adjustment. State-specific results set RPP = 100 to avoid double-correcting.

Average across occupations will populate the earnings field below.

Median annual earnings of completers (or occupational proxy) Preferred: actual median earnings of program completers, BEA-adjusted, ~3 years post-completion. Fallback: average wage across career-pathway occupations from the program page.

150% of federal poverty line (1-person) State-tiered: 48 contiguous states $23,940 / Alaska $29,925 / Hawaii $27,540 (2026 HHS, 1-person × 1.5). Auto-set from detected state.

State BEA Regional Price Parity (RPP) National avg = 100. Widget applies: adjusted_earnings = earnings × 100 / RPP. Lower RPP (cheaper state) ⇒ earnings adjusted upward. Auto-set from detected state.

Published tuition & fees (total program) The figure that appears on the program's published price.

Credential & approval

Program leads to a recognized postsecondary credential that is either stackable/portable across more than one employer OR prepares students for an occupation with only one recognized credential.

Program has been determined by the State's Governor (in consultation with the state workforce board) to align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries/occupations. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, your state's workforce board determinations are synced — this auto-checks for programs on your state's approved list.

Institution is currently Title IV-eligible (participates in federal student aid programs).

Institution's sector is eligible under final Workforce Pell rules. The NPRM did not definitively restrict sector; verify the final rule for for-profit eligibility when published.

Sources & citations

Program metadata. ler.me program pages (auto-harvested when embedded). IPEDS Completions Survey (C2024_A, C2024_DEP) optionally used for institution/program cross-referencing.

This tool is for informational use only and does not constitute a determination of aid eligibility.

Cohort Default Rate — Institution

Tests whether the institution's official 3-year CDR triggers loss of Title IV eligibility under HEA § 435(a)(2) / 34 CFR 668.206. A single year ≥40% = automatic loss for 3 years. Three consecutive years ≥30% = loss for 3 years. Institutions with <30 borrowers in a given cohort get an averaged rate under 34 CFR 668.202(e).

COVID-era rate suppression. The federal student-loan payment pause (March 13, 2020 – Oct 1, 2023) and the subsequent on-ramp period (Oct 2023 – Sept 30, 2024) during which missed payments did not report as delinquent (per Dear Colleague Letter GEN-23-14) means FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022 3-year CDRs are artificially suppressed and not comparable to pre-pandemic rates. ED has published guidance confirming that CDR-based consequences in this window are subject to appeal. FY2022 CDR is bundled; auto-fills from OPEID. Treat zero rates during the pause as measurement artifacts, not real signals.

Institution

Institution name Pre-filled from the embedded page.

OPEID (8-digit) From bundled IPEDS Directory. Used to look up CDR.

Cohort default rates

Most recent CDR (%) 3-year official CDR published by ED. Pre-fills from bundled FY2022 data when available.

Prior year CDR (%) optional Used for the 3-consecutive-year ≥30% test.

Two years prior CDR (%) optional Completes the 3-year series for the 30% rule.

Number of borrowers in cohort If <30, ED uses an averaged rate (34 CFR 668.202(e)). Leave blank if unknown.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Higher Education Act § 435(a) (cohort-default-rate sanctions); 34 CFR 668, Subpart N (Cohort Default Rates): 668.200–668.220. Sanctions: § 435(a)(2) — loss of Direct Loan + Pell for 3 fiscal years if CDR ≥30% for 3 consecutive years; § 435(a)(3) — loss of Direct Loan for 3 fiscal years if any single CDR ≥40%.

Data sources used. Institution name + OPEID auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. CDR auto-filled from bundled ED FY2022 Official CDR Eligible-School file (sparse due to COVID payment pause through Aug 2023).

Informational only. Official CDR determinations are published annually by ED and may be appealed under 34 CFR 668.214.

Financial Responsibility Composite Score — Institution

ED's annual financial-responsibility test for private non-profit and proprietary institutions. Score ≥1.5 passes; 1.0–1.4 is the "zone" (heightened monitoring + letter of credit may be required); <1.0 fails. Public institutions are not scored — their financial responsibility is established by state statute. Source: 34 CFR 668.171–175.

AY 2022-23 composite scores (the most recent public release) are bundled for 2,871 institutions. This test is one of six prongs of the Title IV administrative-capability standard in 34 CFR 668.16.

Institution

Institution name Pre-filled from the embedded page.

OPEID Used to look up the composite score.

Sector Public institutions are exempt from the composite score test (their financial responsibility is established by state statute).

Most recent composite score Pre-fills from bundled AY 2022-23 data. Range −1.0 to 3.0; pass ≥1.5.

Supplemental indicators (optional)

Auditor flagged going concern or the institution had an ED-issued LCA / LOC. Triggers the "alternative standard" under 34 CFR 668.175 even if score ≥1.5.

Institution has past-performance triggers under 34 CFR 668.174(a) — state AG action, adverse accreditor action, or loss of Title IV at another school by >25% ownership.

Sources & citations

Regulatory basis. 34 CFR 668, Subpart L (Financial Responsibility): 668.171 (general standards), 668.172 (financial ratios), 668.173 (applicable requirements), 668.174 (past performance triggers), 668.175 (alternative standards), 668.176 (LCA/LOC). Composite-score methodology: Appendix B to Subpart L (weights and strength factors for primary reserve, equity, and net-income ratios).

Data sources used. Institution sector from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. Score pre-filled from ED's Financial Responsibility Composite Scores AY 2022-23 (2,871 institutions).

Informational only. Final determinations by ED based on audited financials; may require LCA, LOC, or provisional PPA status.

Pell for Incarcerated Students — Student

Federal Pell access for incarcerated students, restored July 1, 2023 under the FAFSA Simplification Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021). Eligibility requires: (1) the student is incarcerated; (2) the program is a Prison Education Program (PEP) approved by ED under 34 CFR 668.240–241; (3) standard Pell need/LEU rules apply.

105 institutions are on the ED PEP Approval List (March 2026 release). If this institution is on the list and the student is incarcerated, the program-side qualification is satisfied. Financial-need qualification uses the same FAFSA/SAI test as the Workforce Pell Student calculator.

Student status

Is the student currently incarcerated? Required per HEA § 401(b)(6). Includes federal, state, and local institutions.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (%) Must be below 600%. Look up at studentaid.gov.

Household AGI Used to estimate SAI and Pell amount.

Household size Per FAFSA definition.

Institution & program

Institution name Pre-filled from the embedded page.

OPEID Used to check the PEP Approval List.

Program is on ED's Prison Education Program approved list (auto-checked if detected). Source: ED PEP Approval List, March 2026. 34 CFR 668, Subpart T.

The corrections agency (federal/state/local) has agreed to the program under 34 CFR 668.240(b)(1).

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. HEA § 401(b)(6) (Pell eligibility for incarcerated students); FAFSA Simplification Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. 116-260, Div. FF, Title VII) — restored Pell for incarcerated students effective July 1, 2023. 34 CFR 668, Subpart T (Approval Procedures for Prison Education Programs): 668.236–668.242. 34 CFR 690 (Pell Grant Program).

Data sources used. Institution + OPEID auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. PEP approval auto-checked against ED's Prison Education Program Approved List (March 2026). Pell-amount estimate uses SAI heuristic from the Workforce Pell Student / Regular Pell calculators.

Informational only. Pell-incarcerated eligibility is determined by FAFSA submission + institution verification. Confirm with the institution's financial aid office and the corrections agency.

90/10 Rule — Institution

Applies to proprietary (for-profit) institutions only. Per HEA § 487(a)(24) / 20 USC 1094(a)(24), a proprietary IHE must derive at least 10% of its tuition and fees revenue from non-Title IV sources each fiscal year — or, equivalently, no more than 90% from Title IV. Post-2021 (ARPA): federal educational assistance funds like the GI Bill (Chapter 33) and DOD Tuition Assistance are now counted as Title IV revenue for this ratio — the so-called "90/10 loophole" has been closed for fiscal years beginning on or after Jan 1, 2023.

Single-year fail → institution is provisionally certified for 2 institutional fiscal years. Two consecutive years of fail → loss of Title IV participation for at least 2 fiscal years (34 CFR 668.28(c); 668.213). Public and private non-profit institutions are not subject to this rule.

Institution

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

OPEID Used for IPEDS sector auto-detect.

Sector 90/10 applies only to proprietary (for-profit) institutions.

Fiscal year being evaluated For FYs beginning on or after Jan 1, 2023, VA + DOD assistance counts toward the Title IV side per ARPA.

Revenue (this fiscal year)

Title IV revenue ($) Sum of Pell + Direct Loans (sub/unsub/grad/PLUS) + FSEOG + Federal Work-Study institutional share + TEACH + Iraq/Afghanistan Service Grants. Tuition & fees paid from these sources per 34 CFR 668.28(a).

VA + DOD educational assistance ($) GI Bill (Ch 30/31/33/35/1606), VR&E, DOD Tuition Assistance, MyCAA. Post-ARPA (FY 2023+): this amount counts as Title IV for the ratio. Leave at 0 for pre-ARPA years.

Non-Title IV revenue ($) State grants, private scholarships, institutional aid, employer tuition assistance, cash payments, private loans. The "10" side of the ratio.

Prior FY status If last year was a fail, this year's fail triggers loss of Title IV. Used for the consecutive-years test.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Higher Education Act § 487(a)(24), 20 USC 1094(a)(24) (90/10 requirement for proprietary IHEs). 34 CFR 668.28 (revenue calculation methodology; cash basis; tuition & fees only; include state/local and private grant programs as non-Title IV). 34 CFR 668.213 (sanctions: provisional certification after single-year fail; loss of eligibility after 2 consecutive years of fail). American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-2), § 2013 — closed the "90/10 loophole" by reclassifying federal education assistance (VA GI Bill, DOD TA, etc.) as Title IV revenue for ratio purposes, effective for institutional fiscal years beginning on or after Jan 1, 2023. ED final rule: 87 Fed. Reg. 65904 (Nov 1, 2022).

Data sources used. Institution + sector auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. Background: Congressional Research Service, The 90/10 Rule Under HEA Title IV: Background and Issues (R46773, Apr 26, 2021). Annual ED release of institutions out of compliance: studentaid.gov/data-center/school/proprietary.

Informational only. Official 90/10 calculation must be performed on an accrual or cash basis as specified under 34 CFR 668.28 and reported via Compliance Audit.

Licensure Pass-Rate Test — Institution

For programs that lead to state-regulated professional licensure (nursing, teaching, cosmetology, social work, real estate, etc.). Tests three things: (1) the institution has determined whether the program meets educational requirements for licensure in every state where students are located (34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)), (2) the institution publicly discloses that determination, and (3) the program's pass rate on state licensing exams meets the state or accreditor threshold.

Pass-rate thresholds are set by each state licensing board and/or programmatic accreditor — not by ED. Enter your actual threshold below. Common bars: nursing NCLEX 80% (per most state BONs); cosmetology 70% (state BoC); teacher prep varies (CAEP / state). The widget does not assume any specific threshold.

Institution & program

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

OPEID Pre-filled from IPEDS Directory match.

State State where the institution's main campus is located (for per-state disclosure logic).

CIP code 6-digit CIP. Licensing is keyed to the occupation, not the CIP directly — but CIP is how ED catalogs the program.

Profession / licensing body E.g., "Registered Nurse — state Board of Nursing (NCLEX-RN)." Used only for citation in the result.

Licensure determination & disclosure (34 CFR 668.43)

Program is designed to lead to state-regulated licensure, certification, or authorization for employment in a profession. If unchecked, per-state licensure determination rules do not apply — use the Gainful Employment or Title IV panels instead.

Institution has made a per-state determination of whether the curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in each state where currently enrolled / prospective students reside. Required by 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(A). Three outcomes allowed per state: meets requirements, does not meet, has not made a determination. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Institution publicly discloses the per-state determination on its website in a location accessible to prospective students and in direct written communication with students located in states where the program does not meet requirements. Required by 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(B) and (c).

Institution provides individualized written notice within 14 calendar days of a student's relocation change if the program no longer meets requirements in the new state. Per 34 CFR § 668.43(c)(2), as amended by the 2024 Program Integrity and Institutional Quality rule (89 FR 65884, Aug 14, 2024), effective July 1, 2025.

Pass-rate test

The passing bar is set by your state licensing board and/or programmatic accreditor — not by federal rule. Enter the threshold that applies to your program. If the accreditor's bar is higher than the state's, use the accreditor's.

Program pass rate on state licensing exam (%) First-time test-taker pass rate for the most recent cohort (typical accreditor definition).

State / accreditor pass-rate threshold (%) Whatever your state board and/or accreditor requires. Leave blank if you don't have one — we'll mark the pass-rate check indeterminate.

Sources & citations

Statutory & regulatory basis. Higher Education Act § 487(a)(22) (disclosure of licensure requirements). 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) & (c) — per-state determination of whether the curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure, public disclosure on the institution's website, and individualized notice when a student relocates to a state where the program no longer qualifies (final rule: 84 Fed. Reg. 58834, Nov 1, 2019; effective July 1, 2020). 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32) — PPA requirement that the institution disclose licensure-eligibility status.

Pass-rate thresholds. Set by each state licensing board (e.g., Board of Nursing, Board of Cosmetology, Department of Education for teacher prep) and/or programmatic accreditor (e.g., ACEN, CCNE for nursing; CAEP for teacher prep). No single federal threshold exists. This calculator uses only the threshold you enter — no assumed values.

Data sources used. Institution + OPEID + state + CIP auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024 when matched. All attestation checkboxes are user-confirmed.

Informational only. Final licensure-compliance determination rests with the institution's regulatory and accreditor oversight; pass-rate adequacy is determined by the state board and/or programmatic accreditor.

NC-SARA Distance-Ed Authorization — Institution

For institutions offering out-of-state distance education. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) allows an institution approved in its home state to serve students in any other member state without obtaining individual state authorizations (34 CFR 600.9(c)). This calculator checks the four core NC-SARA conditions: home-state membership, institutional SARA approval, consumer-protection compliance, and professional-licensure disclosure.

As of April 2026, 49 U.S. states + DC + Puerto Rico + U.S. Virgin Islands participate in NC-SARA. California is the only U.S. state that is not a member. Institutions based in California or in non-member territories (Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) cannot use SARA reciprocity and must seek authorization in each state individually. Verify current membership at nc-sara.org.

Institution

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

OPEID Pre-filled from IPEDS Directory match.

Home state (2-letter) State where the institution is legally domiciled. Auto-filled from IPEDS.

Institution offers distance education (online or correspondence) to students located in states other than the home state. NC-SARA only covers interstate distance ed; in-state and in-person programs are not governed by SARA.

SARA conditions

Home state is a NC-SARA member. Auto-checked from the bundled membership list (April 2026). Uncheck if you know your home state has since withdrawn.

Institution has been approved by its home-state SARA portal entity (the state agency that certifies in-state institutions for SARA). Home-state approval is the gatekeeper — a SARA member state's approval is what allows the institution to serve students in all other SARA states without further authorization. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Institution complies with NC-SARA § 4.9 consumer-protection standards (student complaint process, refund policies, catalog disclosures, accurate marketing). Per NC-SARA Policy Manual § 4.9; complaints are resolved first by the institution, then escalated to the home-state SARA portal entity.

Institution makes professional-licensure disclosures per NC-SARA § 5.2 — for any program that leads to licensure, disclose whether the curriculum meets educational requirements in each state where students are located. Aligns with the ED licensure-disclosure requirement under 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v).

Institution submits annual enrollment and compliance reporting to the home-state SARA portal (or NC-SARA directly). Per NC-SARA Policy Manual § 4.7 — required to maintain SARA status.

Sources & citations

Federal regulatory basis. 34 CFR 600.9 (state authorization of distance education), specifically 600.9(c) — an institution is considered legally authorized to offer distance education in a state if that state participates in a reciprocity agreement and the institution complies with its standards. 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) — professional-licensure disclosure (dovetails with NC-SARA § 5.2).

NC-SARA policy basis. NC-SARA Policy Manual: § 4.7 (institutional reporting), § 4.9 (consumer protection), § 5.2 (professional-licensure disclosures). The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is the national administrator; approval is granted by each state's SARA portal entity.

Membership (April 2026). Bundled in this widget as NC_SARA_MEMBERS: 49 U.S. states (excluding California) + DC + Puerto Rico + U.S. Virgin Islands = 52 jurisdictions. Source: NC-SARA States & Territories. Verify current status before final determinations.

Data sources used. Institution + OPEID + state auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. Home-state membership auto-checked against NC_SARA_MEMBERS. All SARA compliance attestations are user-confirmed.

Informational only. SARA participation status for a specific institution is determined by the home-state SARA portal entity; verify current approval at your state's SARA portal or the NC-SARA institutional directory.

HEA Title III / V — Institution

Eligibility screen for HEA Title III (Strengthening Institutions) and Title V (Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions) competitive grant programs. These fund institutional capacity building at HBCUs, TCUs, AANAPISIs, Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other minority-serving or low-resource institutions. The calculator maps your institution's attributes to the specific Title III/V programs it may qualify for.

Each Title III/V program has a two-part test: (1) the institution is an eligible type (HBCU, TCU, HSI, etc.), AND (2) it meets cross-cutting standards — non-profit sector, Title IV participation, low educational & general expenditures per FTE, and a high share of low-income students. Designation + attributes here are self-attested except HBCU and Tribal, which auto-check from IPEDS.

Institution

Institution name Pre-filled from IPEDS Directory match.

OPEID Pre-filled from IPEDS.

Sector Title III/V is limited to public and private non-profit institutions — proprietary (for-profit) schools are categorically ineligible per HEA § 312(b)(1).

Institution is degree-granting (awards associate's, bachelor's, or higher). Required per HEA § 312(b)(1)(B).

Institution is accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Required per HEA § 312(b)(1)(C); same accreditors listed at ED's database of nationally recognized agencies.

Institution is a Title IV participant. Required per HEA § 312(b)(1)(A); auto-checked when IPEDS flags the institution as a current Title IV participant (OPEID Part 4 = active).

Designation attributes

Institution is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Per HEA § 322(2) — established before 1964 with a principal mission of Black higher education. Auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024 HBCU flag.

Institution is a Tribal College or University (TCU). Per HEA § 316(b) / Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act (25 USC 1801). Auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory Tribal flag.

Hispanic undergraduate FTE enrollment (%) HSI threshold per HEA § 502(a)(5): ≥ 25% Hispanic undergrad FTE. End-of-term enrollment acceptable.

Asian American / Native American Pacific Islander enrollment (%) AANAPISI threshold per HEA § 320(b): ≥ 10% AAPI undergrad enrollment.

Black or African American undergraduate enrollment (%) PBI (Predominantly Black Institution) threshold per HEA § 318(b): ≥ 40% Black undergrad enrollment. Separate program from HBCU Part B.

Low-income undergraduate students (%) Cross-cutting Title III/V requirement: ≥ 50% of degree students are receiving need-based Title IV aid (HEA § 312(b)(1)(D)). Some programs (HBCU Part B, TCU Part F) waive this.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended:

Title III Part A (Strengthening Institutions Program / SIP): § 311–312, § 318 (PBI), § 319 (AANH-serving), § 320 (AANAPISI), § 317 (Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian).
Title III Part B (HBCUs): § 321–327; definition at § 322.
Title III Part F (TCUs): § 316; eligibility cross-references the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act (25 USC 1801).
Title V Part A (Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions): § 501–503; HSI definition at § 502(a)(5).
Title V Part B (Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans — PPOHA): § 511–512.

Cross-cutting eligibility. HEA § 312(b): non-profit sector, Title IV participation, accreditation by a nationally recognized agency, degree-granting, low educational & general expenditures per FTE, high share of low-income / Title IV-aid-receiving students.

Regulatory implementation. 34 CFR 606 (Title V HSI), 34 CFR 607 (Title III Part A SIP), 34 CFR 608 (Title III Part B HBCU), 34 CFR 609 (Title V Part B PPOHA).

Data sources used. Institution + OPEID + sector + Title IV status + HBCU flag + Tribal flag all auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024 when matched. Enrollment-percentage fields are user-entered — they vary semester-to-semester and are not bundled here.

Informational only. Final designation (especially HSI) is determined annually by ED's Office of Postsecondary Education from the institution's IPEDS enrollment submission; eligibility lists are published at ed.gov/ope/idues.

Earnings Premium vs HS Graduate

Two distinct earnings tests that show up in different federal rules: (1) the 2023 Gainful Employment Final Rule's Earnings Premium test (88 Fed. Reg. 70004, 34 CFR 668.403(b)) — does the program's median earnings exceed the median earnings of a typical HS-graduate aged 25–34 in the state? And (2) the Workforce Pell NPRM Value-Added Earnings test (91 Fed. Reg., Mar 9, 2026) — do program earnings, minus 150% of the federal poverty line for a single person, exceed program tuition & fees? Both are key program-level eligibility gates.

Failing GE Earnings Premium in 2 of 3 consecutive years = loss of Title IV eligibility for the program (34 CFR 668.405). Failing the Workforce Pell VAE test would disqualify a short-term program from Workforce Pell under the NPRM. These are distinct thresholds; a program can pass one and fail the other.

Program identifiers

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

State Used to look up state HS-grad median earnings.

CIP code Used to pull program-level Scorecard/PSEO earnings.

Earnings inputs

Program median earnings ($ annual, post-completion) Prefilled from bundled College Scorecard (IRS 1040 matches) or Census PSEO (UI wage records) when available. If prefilled, blue = authoritative; override freely if you have newer institutional data.

State HS-graduate median earnings ($ annual, ages 25–34) Prefilled from bundled ACS 5-year estimates (state median earnings for working adults 25–34 with HS diploma only). Sets the GE Earnings Premium bar.

Cost-side inputs (for Workforce Pell VAE test)

Program tuition & fees ($ total) Pre-filled from IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024 (in-state published tuition + required fees). The Workforce Pell VAE formula compares earnings minus 150% FPL to this figure.

150% federal poverty line, single-person household ($) Prefilled from bundled HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (48-state $23,940; Alaska $29,925; Hawaii $27,540). State tier auto-detected.

Sources & citations

GE Earnings Premium test (EP). 2023 Gainful Employment Final Rule, 88 Fed. Reg. 70004 (Oct. 10, 2023); 34 CFR 668.403(b). A program passes if its median earnings (2-year post-completion, Scorecard IRS 1040 match) exceed the median earnings of a working adult aged 25–34 with a HS diploma only in the state. Failure in 2 of 3 consecutive years triggers loss of Title IV eligibility (34 CFR 668.405).

Workforce Pell VAE test. Dept. of Ed. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, "Accountability in Higher Education," 91 Fed. Reg. (Mar 9, 2026 publication). Proposed formula: program median earnings − 150% × federal poverty line (single-person, state-tiered) must exceed published tuition & fees. Enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21 §§ 83001–83004, July 4, 2025), amending HEA § 401(j).

Data sources used.

Program earnings: bundled College Scorecard Mar 2026 (EARN_MDN_HI_2YR, IRS 1040 matches) and Census PSEO (UI wage records).
State HS-grad baseline: bundled STATE_HS_GRAD_MEDIAN — Census ACS 5-year estimates (B20004), median earnings past 12 mo, age 25–34, HS diploma only. Vintage: ACS 2019-2023 release (Dec 12, 2024). Refresh to ACS 2020-2024 (Dec 2025 release) queued.
Tuition & fees: bundled IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024.
150% FPL: bundled FPL_150 from HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines, 1-person × 1.5, state-tiered (48-state / Alaska / Hawaii).

Informational only. Official GE determinations are made by ED from each institution's annual Scorecard submission; Workforce Pell rules are proposed (NPRM) and subject to change before the July 1, 2026 effective date.

Clock-Hour Program Approval (34 CFR 668.8) — Institution

Tests whether a clock-hour (vocational / career-training) program meets the requirements for Title IV eligibility under 34 CFR 668.8. Clock-hour programs measure instruction in scheduled classroom / lab / externship hours rather than credit hours. Common formats: TCATs (Tennessee), proprietary career schools, allied-health certificates, cosmetology, CDL truck driving, welding.

Key thresholds: ≥ 600 clock hours for non-degree Title IV eligibility (§ 668.8(b)(1)(i)) and ≥ 15 weeks of instructional time for undergraduate programs (§ 668.8(d)). Shorter programs can still qualify for Workforce Pell (which bundles a 150-clock-hour minimum under the NPRM) but not traditional Title IV. State approval is a prerequisite for non-degree clock-hour programs.

Institution & program

Institution name Pre-filled from IPEDS.

OPEID Pre-filled from IPEDS.

Program name Pre-filled from this page.

CIP code 6-digit CIP.

Program length & structure

Measurement unit Clock-hour programs fall under 34 CFR 668.8(b); credit-hour under § 668.8(c); hybrid programs are evaluated under both.

Total clock hours Sum of scheduled classroom + lab + supervised externship hours. 34 CFR 668.8(a).

Instructional weeks Calendar weeks of instruction (not enrollment). Minimum for undergrad Title IV: 15 weeks per § 668.8(d). Workforce Pell NPRM allows shorter (150-hour / 8-week minimum).

Clock hours per week Auto-computed from total hours ÷ weeks. Used for the 30/30/1 credit-conversion sanity check.

Program purpose & admissions

Program prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation (provides occupational training leading to employment; not a general-education degree). Required per HEA § 102(c)(1)(A) for proprietary / postsecondary vocational schools. All clock-hour certificate programs must meet this.

Admissions policy requires HS diploma / GED (or the student satisfies Ability-to-Benefit under § 668.32(e)). Non-degree clock-hour programs must ensure each enrolled Title IV student has either a regular HS diploma / GED or completes an approved ATB path. See the ATB calculator for the student-side test.

Program is approved by the appropriate state licensing or authorizing agency. Non-degree clock-hour programs require state approval as a prerequisite for Title IV. 34 CFR 600.9(a)(1)(ii). ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Program length is within 150% of the minimum hours / weeks required for the credential (for Satisfactory Academic Progress purposes). Per 34 CFR 668.34 — Title IV requires students to complete within 150% of the program's published length. Programs designed above 150% of a license-minimum can still be eligible but enrolled students lose Title IV at 150%.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. HEA § 481(a) (definition of eligible program); § 102(c) (postsecondary vocational institution). Clock-hour programs are further defined at HEA § 481(b) and implementing regulations 34 CFR 668.8.

Regulatory basis. 34 CFR 668.8:

§ 668.8(a) — definition of "clock hour" (50–60 minutes of supervised instruction in a 60-minute period).
§ 668.8(b) — clock-hour program requirements: ≥ 600 hours, ≥ 16 semester-credit or 24 quarter-credit equivalent, occupational.
§ 668.8(d) — instructional-weeks minimums: 15 weeks for undergrad (§ 668.8(d)(2)(i) for non-term credit-hour programs; § 668.8(d)(1) for term-based and clock-hour programs), 12 weeks for graduate.
§ 668.8(e) — treatment of non-term clock-hour programs for payment-period purposes.
§ 668.8(g) — clock-to-credit conversion: 30 clock hours = 1 semester credit hour (with a 10-hour out-of-class work allowance); 20 clock hours = 1 quarter credit hour. Known as the "30/30/1 rule."

State approval. 34 CFR 600.9(a)(1)(ii) — non-degree clock-hour programs require approval by the state licensing authority before Title IV participation.

Satisfactory Academic Progress. 34 CFR 668.34 — 150% of published program length cap for Title IV continuing eligibility.

Data sources used. Institution + OPEID + CIP auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. Program name + clock hours + weeks from scraped page (ler.me) when available.

Informational only. State approval and accreditor verification remain the final gates.

Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) — Student

Can you receive Title IV federal aid without a high-school diploma or GED? Under HEA § 484(a)(1), the general rule is that Title IV students need a regular HS diploma or equivalent. But HEA § 484(d) — restored and expanded by the FAFSA Simplification Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021) and prior budget acts — allows "Ability-to-Benefit" students enrolled in an Eligible Career Pathway (ECP) to qualify through one of three alternate paths: pass an ED-approved ATB test, complete 6 postsecondary credits / 225 clock hours, or complete state-approved home-schooling.

Three decision points: (1) Do you have a HS diploma or GED? If yes — you're eligible and this calc is not needed. (2) If no, are you enrolled in an Eligible Career Pathway (WIOA § 3(7))? (3) Which of the three ATB paths have you met? Missing any of (2) + (3) disqualifies you from Title IV aid.

HS-completion status

Do you have a high-school diploma or GED? A regular HS diploma, a state-recognized equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC), or a state-recognized home-school completion credential. 34 CFR 668.32(e).

If no HS diploma — ATB pathway

Only complete this section if you answered "No" above. ATB requires BOTH enrollment in an Eligible Career Pathway AND one of the three § 484(d) paths.

I am enrolled in an Eligible Career Pathway (ECP) — a program of study that combines postsecondary education with adult education / workforce prep services in a specific in-demand sector. Per HEA § 484(d)(2) and WIOA § 3(7). The institution (not the student) determines ECP status; ask the financial-aid office. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Which ATB path applies? Per 34 CFR 668.32(e): at least ONE must be satisfied.

ATB test taken is on ED's approved ATB test list. If "test" path: the test must be on the federal approved list — typically ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS (certain versions), CELSA, or Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. ED maintains the current approved list at fsapartners.ed.gov. Taken before enrollment, proctored by an approved test administrator.

Credits earned / clock hours completed (if credits path) Must be 6+ semester credits, 10+ quarter credits, or 225+ clock hours of qualifying postsecondary work (excluding ESL-only / remedial). 34 CFR 668.32(e)(4).

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. HEA § 484(a)(1) (general HS-diploma requirement for Title IV); HEA § 484(d) (Ability-to-Benefit exception for students in Eligible Career Pathways). FAFSA Simplification Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. 116-260, Division FF) restored and codified the full ATB framework. Prior expansions: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235, Div. G) and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123).

Regulatory basis. 34 CFR 668.32 (student eligibility): § 668.32(a) — HS diploma / recognized equivalent; § 668.32(e) — four alternative ATB pathways: ED-approved test, 6 credits / 225 hours, state-approved home-schooling, secretarial determination for state-authorized processes. 34 CFR 668.156 — approved ATB test requirements and approved administrators.

Eligible Career Pathway definition. HEA § 484(d)(2); cross-references WIOA § 3(7) — a program of study that: (a) aligns with workforce needs, (b) prepares for an industry-recognized credential, (c) includes counseling and adult-ed / workforce-prep bridging, (d) enables the student to attain a secondary-school diploma or its equivalent AND a postsecondary credential.

ED-approved ATB tests. Published by ED at fsapartners.ed.gov. Current approved tests include ACCUPLACER (ESL and non-ESL versions), ASSET, CELSA, and Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. Must be administered by an ED-approved independent test administrator, proctored, prior to enrollment.

Data sources used. No bundled data — every field is student-attested. Institution should verify ECP status and retain ATB test documentation in the student file per 34 CFR 668.24.

Informational only. Final ATB determination rests with the institution's financial-aid office upon review of ATB test records and ECP enrollment verification.

Registered Apprenticeship — Student

Does this occupation have a DOL-registered apprenticeship pathway? Registered Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with related technical instruction (RTI), pay a progressive wage, and deliver a nationally recognized credential when completed. Federal registration is by the DOL Office of Apprenticeship (OA) in non-SAA states or by a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in recognized states. Programs are indexed under RAPIDS (Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database) and are automatically ETPL-eligible under WIOA § 134(c)(3)(G).

The widget auto-checks occupation availability against the bundled RAPIDS crosswalk (159 SOC codes with federal apprenticeship programs as of April 2026). Find a sponsor at apprenticeship.gov or your state SAA.

Target occupation

State Used to identify whether your state has a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) or defaults to DOL Office of Apprenticeship (OA).

Target occupation (SOC code) 6-digit SOC, e.g., 47-2211 for Sheet Metal Workers. Auto-filled from the first scraped career-pathway occupation on this page. Used to look up RAPIDS apprenticeship availability.

Occupation title For display only; doesn't affect the lookup.

Apprenticeship structure

I have identified a program sponsor (employer, joint labor-management committee, trade association, or approved educational partner). Sponsors are the entities registered with DOL/SAA — they hire and train apprentices. Per 29 CFR 29.3.

Program is registered with DOL Office of Apprenticeship OR a State Apprenticeship Agency. Only DOL/SAA-registered programs are "Registered Apprenticeships." Industry-recognized non-registered apprenticeships don't confer the same benefits. Per 29 CFR 29.2 definitions.

I have signed a written apprenticeship agreement with the sponsor covering program length, wage progression, OJL + RTI hours, and credential outcome. Required by 29 CFR 29.7 — the formal apprentice-sponsor contract.

Minimum age Federal minimum is 16; some occupations (hazardous) and states require 17 or 18. Per 29 CFR 29.5(b)(2).

Training commitment

On-the-Job Learning (OJL) hours (total) Industry standard: ≥ 2,000 OJL hours (~1 year full-time). Competency-based programs may define in competency units. Per 29 CFR 29.5(b)(3).

Related Technical Instruction (RTI) hours per year Minimum: 144 RTI hours/year. Classroom or online instruction complementing the OJL. Per 29 CFR 29.5(b)(4).

Sponsor has a progressive wage schedule starting at ≥ 50% of the journey-worker wage and increasing over time. Per 29 CFR 29.5(b)(5). Apprentice wages rise as skills progress — a defining feature of registered apprenticeships.

Sponsor complies with 29 CFR Part 30 equal employment opportunity requirements (recruitment, selection, retention without discrimination). Required for all registered apprenticeship programs.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. National Apprenticeship Act (Fitzgerald Act), 29 USC § 50–50b. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Pub. L. 113-128 — § 134(c)(3)(G) establishes that Registered Apprenticeships are automatically eligible for WIOA Title I ITA vouchers and inclusion on state ETPLs without separate application.

Regulatory basis. 29 CFR Part 29 — Labor Standards for Registered Apprenticeship Programs:

§ 29.2 — definitions (Registered Apprenticeship, sponsor, journey-worker).
§ 29.3 — registration eligibility for program sponsors.
§ 29.5(b)(2) — minimum age 16.
§ 29.5(b)(3) — OJL requirement (time-based, competency-based, or hybrid).
§ 29.5(b)(4) — RTI minimum 144 hrs/yr.
§ 29.5(b)(5) — progressive wage schedule.
§ 29.7 — apprentice-sponsor agreement.
§ 29.13 — State Apprenticeship Agency recognition.

29 CFR Part 30 — Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship (recruitment, affirmative outreach, non-discrimination).

Data sources used. Occupation-level availability auto-checked against bundled RAPIDS_XWALK (159 SOC codes mapped to DOL-registered apprenticeship RAPIDS codes, 867 SOC→CIP entries, April 2026 extraction from DOL Apprenticeship.gov). State SAA recognition vs federal OA is public information at apprenticeship.gov/about-us/state-offices.

Informational only. Final registration and apprentice acceptance are determined by the sponsor and the registering agency (DOL OA or SAA).

Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

Standalone calculator for the 2023 Gainful Employment Final Rule's D/E test (88 Fed. Reg. 70004, 34 CFR 668.403(a)). Two ratios are computed from program median debt and earnings: (1) Annual D/E — annual loan payment as a share of median earnings, and (2) Discretionary D/E — annual loan payment as a share of earnings above 150% of the single-person federal poverty line. A program passes if either ratio is in the pass band.

Pass bands: Annual D/E ≤ 8% (zone 8–12%, fail > 12%). Discretionary D/E ≤ 20% (zone 20–30%, fail > 30%). Under the GE Final Rule, a program that fails both tests in 2 of 3 consecutive award years loses Title IV eligibility (34 CFR 668.405).

Program identifiers

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

State Used for state-tiered 150% FPL prefill (48-state / Alaska / Hawaii).

CIP code Used for program-level Scorecard debt + earnings lookup.

Credential level Determines the default repayment term under 34 CFR 668.403(c)(1): 10 yrs for undergrad certificates/AA, 15 yrs for BA, 20 yrs for MA, 25 yrs for doctoral/first-professional.

Debt & earnings

Median program debt ($) Federal + private + institutional financing reported to ED per 34 CFR 668.404. Scorecard field: DEBT_ALL_STGP_EVAL_MDN (program-level, adjusted for completers only).

Median program earnings ($ annual, post-completion) 2-year post-completion earnings preferred (Scorecard EARN_MDN_HI_2YR); 1-year falls back. Uses IRS 1040 match data.

Interest rate (%) Default: AY 2025-26 Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized undergrad rate 6.39% (HEA § 455(b)). AY 2026-27 rate is set at the May 2026 Treasury 10-yr auction + 2.05 pp per HEA § 455(b)(4)(A); update this field after that rate is published. Override with your actual weighted-average rate for mixed borrowing.

Repayment term (years) Per credential level — auto-set from credential field when empty. 34 CFR 668.403(c)(1).

150% FPL (single-person, state-tiered) From HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines × 1.5 — bundled in FPL_150 (48-state $23,940 / Alaska $29,925 / Hawaii $27,540).

Sources & citations

Regulatory basis. 2023 Gainful Employment Final Rule, 88 Fed. Reg. 70004 (Oct 10, 2023); 34 CFR 668.403(a) Debt-to-Earnings rates; § 668.403(c)(1) amortization terms (10/15/20/25 years by credential level); § 668.403(b) Earnings Premium companion test (see separate Earnings Premium calculator); § 668.405 consequences (loss of Title IV after 2 of 3 consecutive years failing).

Amortization formula. Standard fully-amortizing loan payment: payment = P × (r / (1 − (1 + r)^−n)) where P = median debt, r = annual interest rate / 12, n = term × 12 (months). Annualized by multiplying monthly payment × 12.

Data sources used.

Median debt: user-entered; Scorecard field DEBT_ALL_STGP_EVAL_MDN (not currently in the bundled subset — could be added on next bundle refresh).
Median earnings: prefilled from bundled College Scorecard Mar 2026 (IRS 1040 matches) or Census PSEO (UI wages).
Interest rate: AY 2025-26 Direct Sub/Unsub undergrad rate 6.39%, HEA § 455(b).
150% FPL: bundled FPL_150 from HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines.

Informational only. Official D/E determinations are made by ED from each institution's annual Scorecard submission; failing 2 of 3 years triggers Title IV ineligibility.

Lifetime ROI

What's the lifetime return on investment for this program, relative to doing nothing? Computes the earnings premium (program median earnings − state HS-graduate median) across a 40-year working life, net of total program cost (tuition + supplies + forgone wages during study). Shows nominal lifetime premium, NPV at a discount rate, payback period, and ROI as a percentage of investment.

This is an informational financial analysis, not a federal eligibility test. The lifetime earnings premium comes from comparing median earnings — real individual outcomes vary significantly. Discount rate is user-adjustable; 3% is a conservative real rate for long-horizon federal program evaluation (OMB Circular A-94 default for social discount rate).

Program identifiers

Institution Pre-filled from this page.

State Used for state HS-grad baseline prefill.

CIP code Used for program-level Scorecard / PSEO earnings lookup.

Earnings (annual)

Program median earnings post-completion ($) Pre-filled from bundled College Scorecard (IRS 1040 matches, 2-yr post-completion) or Census PSEO (UI wage records, 5-yr).

State HS-grad median earnings ($ annual, ages 25–34) Pre-filled from bundled ACS 5-year estimates via STATE_HS_GRAD_MEDIAN. Current vintage: ACS 2019-2023 5-year release (Dec 2024). Baseline for computing the earnings premium.

Program cost

Tuition & fees ($ total) Pre-filled from IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024 (in-state tuition + required fees).

Books, supplies, other direct cost ($) Pre-filled from the scraped program supplies field if available.

Current annual wages during study ($) Used to compute forgone wages (current_wage × program months / 12). If full-time non-working, leave blank.

Program length (months) Pre-filled from scraped duration. Used for forgone-wage calc.

Time horizon & discount rate

Working years Default 40 (typical career 25→65). Shorter for mid-career workers.

Annual real discount rate (%) For NPV calculation. Common reference points: 0% = nominal lifetime premium (no discount). 3% = OMB Circular A-94 / A-4 social-discount default for long-horizon federal program evaluation. 5% = higher private-return assumption. 7% = historical OMB private-opportunity-cost figure.

Sources & citations

Methodology. Nominal lifetime earnings premium = (program earnings − state HS-grad median) × working years. Program cost = tuition + supplies + forgone wages (current_wage × months/12). Net nominal ROI = lifetime premium − cost. NPV of lifetime premium uses standard present-value formula with the user-supplied real discount rate: NPV = Σ (premium / (1+r)^t) for t = 1..years. Payback period = program cost / annual premium.

Discount rate default. 3% real — consistent with OMB Circular A-4 (revised 2023) guidance on social discount rates for long-horizon benefit-cost analysis. Higher rates (5–7%) are appropriate for private-return analysis; 0% gives the nominal total.

Data sources used.

Program earnings: bundled College Scorecard Mar 2026 (EARN_MDN_HI_2YR, IRS 1040) + Census PSEO (UI wages).
State HS-grad median: STATE_HS_GRAD_MEDIAN from ACS 5-year estimates (vintage: ACS 2019-2023 release, Dec 12, 2024).
Tuition: bundled IPEDS Institutional Cost 2024.
Supplies + program length: scraped from this page.

Informational only. Real individual lifetime earnings vary widely from the median; inflation, unemployment, and wage growth add variance not captured here. Use as a directional indicator, not a guarantee.

Employer Tuition Assistance / WOTC — Student

Can your employer pay for this program with tax-free educational assistance under IRC § 127? Employers can provide up to $5,250/year tax-free per employee for any educational assistance — undergraduate, graduate (since 2020), job-related or not, tuition and books alike. This calc also flags whether you may be a WOTC target-group member (IRC § 51), which gives employers a tax credit for hiring you post-training.

§ 127 plans are employer-set — not every employer offers one. Ask your HR or benefits office. If your employer's plan covers more than $5,250/year, the excess is taxable to you. Since 2020 (CARES Act), § 127 also covers qualified student loan repayment up to the combined $5,250 cap — and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21 § 70412, July 2025) made this loan-repayment extension permanent, indexed for inflation after 2026.

IRC § 127 — Employer Tuition Assistance

My employer has a written § 127 Educational Assistance Program. Per IRC § 127(b) — the plan must be in writing, for the exclusive benefit of employees, not discriminatory in favor of highly-compensated employees, and not tied to cash/other benefits.

This program (or the specific courses I'll take) are covered by the plan. § 127 allows any educational assistance — job-related OR non-job-related; undergraduate or graduate since 2020.

Employer benefit offered for this program ($) Whatever your employer agreed to pay — tuition reimbursement, direct pay, or qualified student-loan repayment (made permanent under Pub. L. 119-21 § 70412).

§ 127 benefit already used this calendar year ($) The $5,250 cap is per employee per calendar year — prior uses this year count toward the cap.

I agree to continued employment after completion (if my employer requires it). Some § 127 plans include a service commitment. Breaking the commitment may trigger repayment clauses — independent of the tax treatment.

IRC § 51 — WOTC target-group flag

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is employer-side (the employer gets the credit, not you). But if you're in a target group, you may be more attractive to hire after training. Worth flagging to prospective employers.

Veteran (incl. unemployed, disabled, long-term-unemployed). IRC § 51(d)(3). Credit up to $9,600 for disabled vets unemployed 6+ months.

SNAP recipient (past 6 months). IRC § 51(d)(8).

Ex-offender (convicted within past year). IRC § 51(d)(4).

Long-term TANF or SSI recipient. IRC § 51(d)(5); (d)(9).

Vocational Rehabilitation referral (state VR agency). IRC § 51(d)(6).

Long-term unemployed (27+ weeks). IRC § 51(d)(15).

Sources & citations

IRC § 127 — Employer-Provided Educational Assistance. Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC § 127. Annual exclusion cap: $5,250 per employee per calendar year (§ 127(a)(2)); indexed for inflation after 2026 per Pub. L. 119-21 § 70412. Qualifying assistance: any educational assistance furnished pursuant to a written plan that meets § 127(b) requirements — exclusive benefit of employees, no discrimination in favor of highly compensated, no cash-or-benefits alternative. Since 2020 (CARES Act § 2206), covers both undergraduate and graduate coursework and employer-paid qualified student-loan repayment up to the combined $5,250 cap. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21 § 70412, July 2025) made the student-loan-repayment extension permanent — no sunset.

Treasury regulations. 26 CFR 1.127-1 (general rules); 26 CFR 1.127-2 (qualified educational assistance programs).

IRC § 51 — Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC § 51. Target groups enumerated at § 51(d)(1): qualified veteran (subject to unemployment/disability tiers), IV-A recipient (long-term TANF), ex-felon, Designated Community Resident (DCR), vocational rehab referral, summer youth employee, food stamp (SNAP) recipient, SSI recipient, long-term unemployed. Certification by state workforce agency required before employer claims credit (Form 8850).

Informational only. Final § 127 plan eligibility is determined by the employer's written plan document; final WOTC certification is determined by the state workforce agency. Tax treatment subject to change — verify current-year rules with IRS Publication 970 (Tax Benefits for Education) and Publication 15-B (Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits).

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) — Student

Federal training assistance for workers who lost their jobs due to foreign trade impacts. Eligibility flows from a DOL worker-group certification (filed as a TAA petition by a group of affected workers), then individual enrollment through your state workforce agency. TAA covers approved training tuition, income support (TRA), job-search allowances, and relocation allowances. Authorized under the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC §§ 2271–2395) and implemented at 20 CFR Part 618.

Important — TAA is in termination provisions. Under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015, DOL's authority to certify new worker-group petitions expired June 30, 2022. Since July 1, 2022, no new petitions are being certified (19 USC § 2271(b)). This calculator applies only to workers (a) already certified under a pre-July 2022 petition or (b) whose separation predates July 1, 2022 AND who filed within statutory deadlines. Verify current program status at dol.gov/agencies/eta/tradeact; pending reauthorization legislation may restore new-petition authority.

Pre-July 2022 gate

My worker group's DOL petition was filed/certified before July 1, 2022, or my separation date predates July 1, 2022. Required threshold. DOL's authority to certify new worker groups expired June 30, 2022 under the TAA Reauthorization Act of 2015 sunset; no new petitions have been certified since. If neither of these is true, TAA is not available.

Worker group certification

DOL TAA petition number Format TA-W-##### (e.g., TA-W-94523). Find your employer's petition at dol.gov petitions search.

Worker group has been certified by DOL (i.e., DOL determined the layoffs were caused by trade impacts and the group is eligible for TAA benefits). Certification is at the group level and must precede any individual application. Per 19 USC § 2272.

Separation date (from certified employer) The date you lost your job. Eligibility is tied to separations on or after the impact date listed in the certification.

Individual eligibility

Worked at least 26 weeks earning at least $30/wk in the 52 weeks before separation. Per 19 USC § 2291(a)(2).

I have enrolled in an American Job Center / state workforce agency for TAA services (initial assessment, reemployment services, training-plan development). Required first step before training approval. Per 20 CFR 618.600.

State workforce agency has approved the training plan (sixteen-week approval window from first request). State must find training is reasonably expected to lead to employment, is suitable for the worker, and is available at a reasonable cost. 19 USC § 2296(a); 20 CFR 618.610. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Training leads to an occupation that is in demand and for which reasonable employment prospects exist. Per 19 USC § 2296(a)(1)(D). State assesses against local LMI.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. Trade Act of 1974, as amended, 19 USC §§ 2271–2395. Key provisions: § 2272 (group eligibility / certification), § 2291 (individual qualifying requirements + TRA), § 2296 (training benefit), § 2297 (job-search allowances), § 2298 (relocation allowances). Most recently reauthorized under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015.

Regulatory basis. 20 CFR Part 618 — Trade Adjustment Assistance Under the Trade Act of 1974, As Amended: Subpart A (general); Subpart B (petitions & investigations); Subpart D (training approval); Subpart F (TRA weekly payments); Subpart G (job-search & relocation).

Data sources used. Petition number + group certification require confirmation at dol.gov/agencies/eta/tradeact (authoritative). No petitions are bundled in this widget — verify your employer's status directly. Individual eligibility and training-plan approval are determined by your state workforce agency.

Informational only. Final TAA determinations are made by DOL (group certification) and your state workforce agency (individual eligibility + training approval).

Branch Campus Approval (34 CFR 600.8) — Institution

Is this location a qualifying branch campus under HEA § 102(a)(4) and 34 CFR 600.2 / 600.8? Branch campuses have a different regulatory treatment from additional locations: branches require accreditor and state approvals as standalone sites; additional locations are covered by the main campus's approvals. Branch status affects Title IV participation, accreditor reporting, and the institution's Program Participation Agreement (PPA).

Common pitfall: "branch" vs "additional location" is a regulatory distinction, not a marketing one. ED deems a site a branch only when ALL six criteria below are met; otherwise it's an additional location (34 CFR 600.32). When in doubt, institutions should confirm classification with their accreditor and the ED School Participation Division.

Main institution

Institution name Pre-filled from IPEDS.

Main OPEID Pre-filled from IPEDS.

Branch location attributes

Branch location (city, state)

Location is geographically apart from the main campus (not co-located). 34 CFR 600.2 definition of "branch campus" element (1). Sharing the same building / adjacent sites fails this test.

Location offers at least 50% of an eligible program. 34 CFR 600.8(b)(1) — branches must offer a critical mass of credential-bearing coursework, not just a few classes. Satellite classrooms offering one or two courses remain additional locations.

Location is permanent (not a temporary / short-term site). 34 CFR 600.8(b)(3). Typically 2+ years of planned operation.

Location has its own chief academic administrator (not shared day-to-day with the main campus). 34 CFR 600.8(b)(4). Administrative autonomy is what distinguishes a branch from a satellite classroom.

Location maintains its own books and records separate from the main campus. 34 CFR 600.8(b)(5). Separate financial and academic recordkeeping required.

Location has been approved by the institution's accreditor as a branch campus. 34 CFR 600.8(b)(6). Accreditor approval precedes ED approval.

Location has state authorization to operate. 34 CFR 600.9 — state authorization applies to every physical location. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Institution has submitted an E-App update to ED's School Participation Division and received approval to add the branch to the institution's OPEID. Per 34 CFR 600.32. Branches typically receive a suffix OPEID (e.g., 00381500-02).

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. HEA § 102(a)(4) — definition of "institution of higher education" includes branch campuses that meet the regulatory criteria.

Regulatory basis. 34 CFR 600.2 (definitions of "branch campus" and "additional location"); 34 CFR 600.8 (branch-campus requirements — six enumerated elements); 34 CFR 600.9 (state authorization, applies per-location); 34 CFR 600.32 (approval of additional locations + branches, E-App process); 34 CFR 600.10 (date of eligibility).

Accreditor requirements. Most regional accreditors (e.g., HLC, MSCHE, SACSCOC, WSCUC, NECHE, NWCCU) have specific substantive-change processes for adding a branch campus — including site visits before approval. Accreditor approval precedes the ED E-App update.

Data sources used. Main institution name + OPEID auto-filled from bundled IPEDS Directory 2024. All branch-specific attributes are user-attested and require independent verification with the accreditor + ED.

Informational only. Final branch-campus classification is determined by the accreditor's substantive-change approval and ED's School Participation Division approval of the E-App update.

BIE Higher Education Grant — Student

Federal Higher Education Grant Program administered by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) under 25 USC § 13 (Snyder Act) and 25 CFR Part 40. Grants supplement other aid for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applications go through the tribal education office of a federally-recognized tribe — not directly to BIE.

Award amounts vary widely by tribe and are subject to annual appropriations. Most tribes set their own application deadlines and prioritization rules within the § 40 framework. Some tribes administer their own separate scholarship programs in addition to (or in place of) the BIE grant.

Indian eligibility

Indian eligibility status Per 25 CFR 40.1: enrolled member of a federally-recognized tribe, OR at least 1/4 degree Indian blood descended from a member of a federally-recognized tribe.

Tribal affiliation (for reference) Your home tribe's education office is where you apply.

Program & institution

Degree level pursued

Enrolled (or admitted) at an accredited postsecondary institution. 25 CFR 40.5 — institution must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

I have filed a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need (Cost of Attendance exceeds expected resources). 25 CFR 40.3 — grants supplement (not duplicate) other aid; financial need must be documented.

My tribal education office has reviewed and approved the application under the tribe's priority rules. Tribes set their own deadlines and ranking criteria within 25 CFR Part 40. Application goes through the tribe, not directly to BIE. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. Snyder Act, 25 USC § 13 — general authorization for federal services to Indians, including education grants. Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Pub. L. 93-638) enables tribes to administer federal education funds.

Regulatory basis. 25 CFR Part 40 — Administration of Educational Loans, Grants and Other Assistance for Higher Education. § 40.1 (Indian eligibility definition), § 40.3 (grant purpose — supplements other aid), § 40.5 (accreditation requirement), § 40.7 (application through tribal education office), § 40.11 (priority for undergraduate students).

Administration. Bureau of Indian Education administers the program at the federal level; tribal education offices administer applications at the local level. Contact lists: BIA Office of Indian Services — Higher Education.

Informational only. Final grant decisions are made by the tribal education office within federal rules. Award amounts depend on annual appropriations.

NACTEP — Student

The Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) is a Perkins V § 116 competitive grant program (20 USC § 2326). It funds Career & Technical Education at federally-recognized tribes, tribal organizations, BIE-funded schools, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving organizations. Students don't apply for NACTEP directly — they benefit from enhanced CTE programming at an institution that is a current NACTEP grantee.

Grantees are funded on a 3- to 5-year cycle via ED's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). Current grantee list is published in the annual NACTEP awards announcement. If your institution is a grantee, ask about additional advising, tutoring, and workforce partnerships funded by the grant.

Institution status

Institution name Pre-filled from this page.

Institution type NACTEP eligible entities per 20 USC § 2326(a). Your institution must fit one of these categories.

Institution is currently a NACTEP grantee (has an active award from ED-OCTAE). Check the ED-OCTAE NACTEP page for the current grantee list. Awards are typically 3–5 years; some institutions re-compete for renewal. ✏️ Redline: If you're a paid subscriber, this field may be populated for you by your state or agency.

Program & student

My program is a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program (vocational, technical, or applied). Per 20 USC § 2302. CTE programs lead to industry-recognized credentials, state licensure, or associate's degrees in technical fields.

I am an American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian student (or I am enrolled in a program targeted by the NACTEP award). NACTEP grantees serve Native students primarily, but specific services depend on the grant proposal. Check with your institution's NACTEP coordinator.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), Pub. L. 115-224; 20 USC § 2326 — Native American programs. Perkins V § 116 authorizes competitive grants to eligible Indian-serving entities for CTE programs.

Administration. ED Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) administers NACTEP. Current grantee list is posted in annual award announcements. Grant cycles are typically 3–5 years with non-competing continuation after the first year.

Informational only. NACTEP services are delivered by the grantee institution according to its approved project design; specific student benefits vary by grantee.

IHS Scholarship — Student

The Indian Health Service Scholarship Program funds American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing health-professions education, with a service obligation to work in an IHS facility or Indian health program after completion (year-for-year). Authorized under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 USC § 1613a, implemented at 42 CFR Part 136, Subpart J. Three scholarship pathways correspond to different stages of health-professions training.

The Health Professions Scholarship (§ 1613a(b)) carries a service commitment of at least 2 years, served at an IHS facility, tribal health program, or an "Indian health organization" as defined in § 1603. The Preparatory and Pre-Graduate scholarships do not carry a service obligation, but also do not count toward satisfying one.

Indian eligibility

Indian eligibility status Per 25 USC § 1603 — same definition used across IHS programs. Tribal enrollment OR ≥ 1/4 Indian blood from a federally-recognized tribe OR descendants of members qualify under specific circumstances per regulation.

Scholarship pathway

Pathway Choose the pathway that matches your current educational stage.

Enrolled (or admitted) in an accredited institution and a health-professions discipline approved by IHS for the pathway. Approved disciplines are published annually in the IHS Scholarship Catalog at ihs.gov/scholarship. Priority disciplines vary year-to-year based on IHS staffing needs.

I agree to the service obligation: one year of service at an IHS facility, tribal health program, or approved Indian health organization for each year of scholarship support, with a minimum of 2 years. (Health Professions pathway only.) Per 25 USC § 1613a(b)(1). Breach triggers repayment penalties per § 1613a(b)(6).

I have filed a FAFSA and agree to apply for other available financial aid first. IHS scholarships supplement — not duplicate — other federal aid.

I am a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen. Per § 1613a — program is limited to U.S. nationals.

Sources & citations

Statutory basis. Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Pub. L. 94-437 as amended; 25 USC § 1613a — Indian Health Scholarships. Three subsections: § 1613a(a)(1) Preparatory; § 1613a(a)(2) Pre-Graduate; § 1613a(b) Health Professions (with service obligation). "Indian" definition at 25 USC § 1603.

Regulatory basis. 42 CFR Part 136, Subpart J — Indian Health Scholarships. Administered by the IHS Division of Health Professions Support. Annual scholarship catalog lists approved disciplines (typically including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, PAs, medical social workers, public-health professionals, etc.).

Service obligation. Health Professions Scholarship recipients commit to one year of service for each year of scholarship support (minimum 2 years) at IHS facilities, tribal health programs, or Indian health organizations defined in 25 USC § 1603. Breach penalties per § 1613a(b)(6): repayment of 3× award amount plus interest.

Informational only. Applications are evaluated annually by the IHS Scholarship Review Panel; priority given to disciplines with the greatest IHS staffing shortages.

Dual Enrollment — Student

Can this high-school student take this program as dual enrollment (also called dual credit, concurrent enrollment, or early college), earning college credit while still in HS? Dual enrollment rules are primarily state-governed and vary significantly in eligibility, GPA minimums, placement-test requirements, cost coverage, and course approval. Federal framework is thin: Title IV aid generally requires a high-school diploma (HEA § 484(a)(1)), so dual-enrolled students typically are not Title IV-eligible — state and district funding usually covers tuition.

This calculator surfaces your state's authoritative dual-enrollment sources (policy centers, articulation agreements, course equivalency lists) from the bundled DUAL_ENROLLMENT_SOURCES directory (provided by ConsumerChoiceTraining, consumerchoicetraining.com). The pass/fail checks use conservative typical-state defaults — always verify against your state's authoritative source.

Student status

State State whose dual-enrollment rules apply (usually the student's HS state).

Current grade level Most states allow 9th–12th grade; some allow 10th+ only, some allow earlier for gifted. Verify in your state source below.

Cumulative unweighted GPA Threshold varies by state. When a state code is entered, the calculator uses the state's statutory/rule floor (e.g., FL 2.0, TN 3.0, GA/NC/SC 3.0, TX 2.0, AL/KY/LA/MO/MS/OH/VA 2.5, IN 2.6). Unknown states fall back to a conservative 2.5 default. Counselor recommendation may waive in some states.

Student is currently enrolled in a recognized high school (public, charter, private accredited, or state-recognized home school).

Readiness & consent

Student has met the college-readiness requirement — placement test (Accuplacer, TSI, PERT, etc.) OR qualifying SAT/ACT/PSAT score OR high-school GPA waiver per state policy. Varies by state AND by course (some courses are exempt). Verify in your state source.

Parent/guardian consent has been obtained (required in most states for students under 18).

High-school counselor has recommended / approved the course selection.

An articulation agreement exists between the student's HS district and the postsecondary institution (or the course is on the state's approved equivalency list).

Target program / institution

Postsecondary institution Pre-filled from this page if the linked institution is a higher-ed provider.

Course or program Pre-filled from the program name.

Sources & citations

Federal framework. Dual enrollment is primarily state-governed; there is no dedicated federal dual-enrollment statute. Relevant federal context: HEA § 484(a)(1) generally requires a high-school diploma for Title IV aid, so dual-enrolled students are typically not Title IV-eligible (state/district funding usually covers tuition). Perkins V (20 USC 2301 et seq.) permits federal CTE funds to support certain dual-enrollment and early-college pathways. The Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education provides general dual-enrollment policy guidance.

Authoritative state sources. State and local dual-enrollment sources are bundled in DUAL_ENROLLMENT_SOURCES (49 states · 104 discovered sources, provided by ConsumerChoiceTraining (consumerchoicetraining.com), April 2026 extraction). Sources include state DOE policy centers, statewide articulation agreements, course-equivalency lists, and institutional/district dual-enrollment portals. State-specific sources appear above when a state is entered.

Informational only. Dual-enrollment eligibility is determined by state policy and the specific institution/district articulation agreement. Verify current rules at the state sources linked above.

Am I eligible? (Student)

Calculator preview

Regular Pell Grant — Student

FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) — Student

Federal Direct Loans — Student

Federal Work-Study — Student

Title IV Program Participation — Institution

VA Program Approval (SAA) — Institution

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) — Student

SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) — Student

TANF Training — Student

Pathway to Degree / Stackability — Student & Institution

WIOA Title I Training Voucher — Student

Perkins V (CTE) — Institution

Time-to-Break-Even — Student & Institution

Net Cost After Aid — Student

Gainful Employment — Institution

GI Bill / VA Benefits — Student

State ETPL / WIOA Voucher — Institution

Is our program eligible? (Institution)

Cohort Default Rate — Institution

Financial Responsibility Composite Score — Institution

Heightened Cash Monitoring (HCM) Status — Institution

Pell for Incarcerated Students — Student

90/10 Rule — Institution

Licensure Pass-Rate Test — Institution

NC-SARA Distance-Ed Authorization — Institution

HEA Title III / V — Institution

Earnings Premium vs HS Graduate

Clock-Hour Program Approval (34 CFR 668.8) — Institution

Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) — Student

Registered Apprenticeship — Student

Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

Lifetime ROI

Employer Tuition Assistance / WOTC — Student

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) — Student

Branch Campus Approval (34 CFR 600.8) — Institution

BIE Higher Education Grant — Student

NACTEP — Student

IHS Scholarship — Student

Dual Enrollment — Student