OPMFinal Rule

Hiring Authority for College Graduates

Labor & WorkplaceEducation

Summary

This regulation makes it easier for recent college graduates to get hired for federal government jobs by creating a streamlined hiring process specifically for them. It aims to bring more young talent into federal agencies while giving graduates a clearer path to government employment.

Key Points

  • 1Federal agencies can now use a fast-track hiring process designed specifically for college graduates without going through the standard competitive application procedures
  • 2This rule applies to recent graduates of accredited colleges and universities who are seeking entry-level federal positions
  • 3The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the federal agency responsible for managing federal hiring, and this new rule gives them authority to implement these special hiring programs
  • 4Agencies have flexibility in how they design their graduate hiring programs, allowing them to recruit talent in ways that match their specific needs
  • 5The change could help federal agencies fill positions more quickly and attract younger workers to government careers

Key Dates

Published

February 20, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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