AACS Today
AACS Today
Do No Harm? Accountability and the Future of Christian Higher Ed
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In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison welcome Hannah DeBruler back to the podcast. Hannah serves as the Higher Ed Policy Analyst for AACS, and she brings her expertise to unpack the implications of the "Do No Harm" test—a key accountability measure within the Working Families Tax Cut legislation.
The episode provides an in-depth analysis of how this federal mandate requires college programs to prove their graduates out-earn high school graduates to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The conversation specifically addresses the potential threat this "utilitarian" view poses to Christian higher education and service-oriented vocations like ministry and teaching, which prioritize spiritual and societal impact over material wealth. Furthermore, the hosts examine how this federal standard is already influencing state-level legislation in places like Indiana.
With implementation beginning in July 2026, this episode is an essential resource for educators and advocates looking to understand the shifting landscape of higher ed accountability and the upcoming opportunities for public comment to protect faith-based institutions.