The Department of Education published the final Workforce Pell rule — "Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell" — at 91 FR 29254, implementing P.L. 119-21 § 83002 through a new 34 CFR part 690, subpart H plus conforming changes to parts 600 and 668. The text went through negotiated rulemaking and reflects consensus regulatory language.

What the final rule settled

• The placement measure is regulatory, not folklore. 34 CFR 690.94 measures employment during the second calendar quarter after exit via state administrative data — not "placed within 180 days," which is a misreading of the statute.
• Four allowable exclusions apply to both numerator and denominator of both rates: death, totally disabling condition, military service over 30 days, and incarceration — each with documentation.
• Value-added earnings gets a firm timeline: first Secretary determinations with award year 2029–30, applying to the following year's tuition, with liability attached to zero-or-negative results (34 CFR 690.95–.96).

What to do

Read the 70/70 rule explained, then start building your cohort file — the rule takes effect July 20, with the program live July 1.