In order for a certificate program to qualify for federal financial aid, the Department of Education requires that the program be at least one academic year (minimum of 24 credits and 30 weeks) in duration, leads to a certificate, degree or other recognized credential and prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The following certificate programs are approved and eligible for financial aid should a student choose to apply. All other certificate programs offered at Sage are not eligible at this time.

Gainful Employment

On July 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Education published final regulations (the “Final Rule”) rescinding requirements for programs that are eligible for Title IV federal student financial aid based on preparing students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The Department also exercised its statutory authority under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to designate the Final Rule, which is not effective until July 1, 2020, “for early implementation, beginning on July 1, 2019, at the discretion of each institution.” Russell Sage College implemented this change effective July 1, 2019.

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