Why It Matters
Congress just overhauled student lending through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted new "skin-in-the-game" accountability rules that could cost universities millions, and is targeting accreditation reform. The Trump administration’s executive order on accreditation is pressuring institutions over diversity standards.
Alliant International University joins the lobbying fray during this pivotal moment for higher education. It’s a non-profit specializing in psychology and counseling programs. The stakes are clear: navigate new risk-sharing liability starting in 2027, adapt to shifting accreditation requirements, and demonstrate student outcomes under tightening gainful employment rules. The university’s focus on mental health professions aligns with Congressional interest in workforce shortages, creating a potential legislative opening.
By the Numbers
Alliant International University shifted lobbying strategies in 2022, moving from Madison Associates LLC—where it spent $240,000 over six disclosures (2003-2006)—to Holland & Knight LLP, where it has now spent $450,000 across 16 disclosures. The last quarter filing represents an $80,000 expenditure.
Lauren M. Maddox, a partner at Holland & Knight, leads Alliant’s federal advocacy. Maddox brings deep expertise across the education ecosystem, having represented major student loan servicers like ECMC Group ($3.27 million) and Sallie Mae Inc. ($1.49 million), and institutions like Perdoceo Education Corp. ($2.57 million).
The Agenda
Alliant is lobbying on broad "higher education" issues with no specific legislation cited. Since partnering with Holland & Knight in 2022, the university has concentrated on influencing "institutional and programmatic eligibility" standards.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, eliminated subsidized undergraduate loans and implemented "skin-in-the-game" risk-sharing requirements where institutions face financial penalties for unpaid student loans beginning July 2027.
President Trump’s April 2025 executive order targets diversity standards in accreditation, directing the Education Secretary to suspend accreditors requiring DEI compliance and establishing alternative accreditation pathways.
Alliant’s professional focus creates both risks and opportunities. New gainful employment rules require career programs to demonstrate adequate graduate earnings. However, critical mental health shortages—projections show 88,000 counselor and 114,000 addiction specialist shortfalls by 2037—create potential Congressional interest in workforce development funding.
Broader Context
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act represents the largest higher education overhaul in over a decade. 98% of colleges would face risk-sharing requirements, with three-fourths expected to see net losses.
Trump’s executive order directed suspension of accreditors advancing diversity standards, creating uncertainty for universities. New gainful employment and financial transparency rules impose additional compliance burdens.
The behavioral health field faces critical shortages—122 million Americans live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, generating Congressional interest in workforce development funding that aligns with Alliant’s programs.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively reshaping higher education through competing bills. The Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act and PROTECT Students Act of 2025 propose strict accountability measures affecting Alliant’s operations.
The Accreditation Choice and Innovation Act seeks to overhaul quality assurance through alternative state-approved entities. Mental health workforce bills like the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act would create graduate partnerships aligned with Alliant’s programs.
Recent hearings reflect accountability pressures, including the Senate HELP Committee’s examination of Financial Transparency in Higher Education.
Competitive Landscape
Multiple institutions are competing for Congressional attention on overlapping issues. Adtalem Global Education spent $170,000 in Q4 2024 on gainful employment regulations and Title IV aid. Grand Canyon University deployed $120,000 on federal student aid and workforce development.
The Council on Social Work Education is lobbying on Higher Education Act reauthorization and mental health workforce legislation—directly overlapping with Alliant’s focus areas.
The Bottom Line
Alliant International University faces immediate risks from new accountability measures requiring institutions to share liability for unpaid student loans and from accreditation reform proposals. However, Alliant’s focus on mental health professional education aligns with Congressional efforts to address critical behavioral health workforce shortages, creating potential opportunities amid the regulatory upheaval.
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