Federal funding for UMKC humanities and conservatory programs at risk under recent Department of Education policy.

  The Department of Education has ruled to federally defund postsecondary programs whose graduates underperform in career earnings.

  After the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, federal financial aid, including student loans, will be cut if certification and/or degree holders do not earn the required amount for their program, compared with high school graduates.

  “It doesn’t make too much sense to me,” said Isabel Yearian, a junior majoring in music education with a choral emphasis, “It shows that we don’t prioritize fine arts, and fine arts to me is humanities–and if we’re not prioritizing humanities, what are we doing?” 

  Yearian elaborated that the humanities are nationally undervalued in comparison to high-earning STEM professions, and this imbalance could incite a lack of empathy and diverse perspectives. 

“The government defunding this shows that they don’t support human connection,” Yearian said.

  However, pursuing a career in fine arts goes beyond monetary gain for both Yearian and junior Bradley Walton, a film media arts major with a focus in screenwriting. 

  “The arts are necessary for any educational program, and I think that it adds an entirely different layer to what education is and what higher education is,” Walton said. 

  While some in his industry opt out of university programs, Walton says the education he’s gained is invaluable thanks to UMKC professors who focus on preparing students for life outside the classroom.

  Kenzie Cohen, a dance major, expressed the importance of having a degree in dance because “as a senior, I’m going through job auditions, there have been companies that specifically want dancers who have gone to school.”

  She said studying dance at UMKC allowed her to learn new styles, which helped grow her artistry in ways she never expected. 

  Deeanna Hiett, Chair of the Dance division, had a hopeful outlook, saying the dean has been “Raising money for our new facilities” and that UMKC is building back the dance department in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  UMKC political science professor, Dr. Beth Vonnahme, said that it would be unclear as of right now how this legislation will actually shape the future of these programs. 

  “The impact of legislation of this sort often hinges on how the executive branch enforces (and interprets) the legislation as it fashions rules,“ Vonnahme said, “Interested parties, including universities, will attempt to shape those rules to mitigate harm and maximize benefits.”

  Director of Strategic Communications Stacy Downs reported UMKC’s full compliance with the policy effective July 1st, 2026. What the measurement of post-graduation salaries may look like depends on the Department of Education’s pending implementation.