Gainful Employment

Federal Gainful Employment Requirements have been rescinded effective July 1, 2019.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges wants each student to graduate the program of their choice with good opportunities for employment, and a minimum of student debt. Final regulations published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010, require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). Those regulations also provide that institutions must disclose to prospective students certain information about the institution’s GE Programs. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offers some certificate and diploma programs that are Title IV eligible and are subject to Gainful Employment Disclosure requirements. As announced in the Gainful Employment Electronic Announcement #122. the Department of Education published a final rule on July 1, 2019, rescinding the Department’s gainful employment (GE) regulations (2014 Rule), effective July 1, 2020. The final rule also allowed institutions to implement the rescission early. Eastern Iowa opted to comply via early implementation.

We’re committed to helping you make an informed decision

We believe a student has the right to quality information to assist in making an informed decision regarding your educational pursuits. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges continues to provided students information on program costs including tuition, fees, books, and other program materials. In addition, every student works with an academic advisor to create an appropriate degree plan to ensure students complete a degree, diploma or certificate in a timely and effective manner. Our financial aid staff work with students to encourage budget planning and responsible borrowing. Academic advisors and career services continue to provide students with information on potential employment and future wages related to their program of study.

Students concerned about college costs and student loan debt are encouraged to speak to the college financial aid department. The college strives to be transparent regarding college costs and student loan debt. Students should ask questions and seek quality information to make an informed educational decision. We are here to provide you with the needed information and assistance to help you achieve your goals.

Rescinding of the Gainful Employment Regulations:

The Secretary of the Department of Education (Department) amends the regulations on institutional eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and the Student Assistance General Provisions to rescind the Department’s gainful employment (GE) regulations (2014 Rule). DATES: Effective date: These regulations are effective July 1, 2020.

Implementation Date of These Regulations:

These regulations are effective on July 1, 2020. Section 482(c) of the HEA requires that regulations affecting programs under title IV of the HEA be published in final form by November 1, prior to the start of the award year (July 1) to which they apply. However, that section also permits the Secretary to designate any regulation as one that an entity subject to the regulations may choose to implement earlier, as well as the conditions for early implementation. The Secretary is exercising her authority under section 482(c) of the HEA to designate the regulatory changes to subpart Q and subpart R of the Student Assistance General Provisions at title 34, part 668, of the Code of Federal Regulations, included in this document, for early implementation beginning on July 1, 2019, at the discretion of each institution.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has opted for early implementation effective July 1, 2019.