SHOULD THE NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE INTERVENE IN COLLEGE PROGRAMS THAT LEAD TO LOW-EARNING JOBS?

LINCOLN — A bill before Nebraska lawmakers would limit state or local funding for college programs whose graduates are expected to earn less than workers with lower levels of education. Legislative Bill 1196, introduced by Sen. Tanya Storer, would align state policy with an upcoming federal standard aimed at reducing student debt and ensuring degrees provide a financial return. Programs would only lose funding if they fail the earnings test in two out of three years, starting next year.

Critics warned the proposal oversimplifies the value of higher education and could threaten programs that fill essential workforce needs, particularly in lower-paying fields. Lawmakers and higher education leaders said degrees in areas such as education, child care, health care and public safety may start with modest wages but provide long-term benefits to communities and the state economy. Colleges and university groups opposed the bill, arguing they already review program viability and that a single earnings test fails to capture a program’s broader impact.

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