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This year, AMTA has been committed to defending the 150% rule, a provision that enables students at massage therapy and other career schools to access the full range of federal financial aid. Here's the latest update on this critical case.
AMTA Files Motion for Summary Judgement
On November 22, AMTA filed a Motion and Brief for Summary Judgment in federal court in Washington, D.C., urging the court to uphold the 150% rule. A Motion for Summary Judgment is a formal request for the court to resolve the case—or specific parts of it—without proceeding to trial. The Department of Education has also filed a Motion and Brief for Summary Judgment. Both parties are required to respond to each other’s motions by mid-January, with final submissions due in February.
AMTA first took action in June by filing a federal lawsuit challenging the Department of Education’s new rule, which sought to eliminate the longstanding 150% rule for federal financial aid eligibility. On June 7, AMTA submitted a complaint, a motion for a preliminary injunction, and a supporting brief to the federal district court in Washington, D.C. Later that month, an injunction was granted to temporarily halt enforcement of the new rule. As a result, the 150% rule remains in effect for massage therapy schools—at least for now.
What Comes Next for the 150% Rule?
The legal and political landscape remains uncertain as a new administration prepares to take office. The fate of the Department of Education—and the 150% rule—may shift with upcoming changes in federal leadership. AMTA remains committed to protecting access to federal financial aid for massage therapy students and schools.
We will continue to keep our massage community informed as AMTA’s case progresses. In the meantime, please reach out to the AMTA Schools Team with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy. Together, we are making a difference for massage therapy students and schools nationwide.