The controversy includes a list of graduate-level career paths that are considered “professional” degrees that can qualify for larger federal student loans.
What we know about student loans and the Department of Education
Will the Department of Education’s restructuring impact student loans? Here’s what we know.
Proposed loan rules by President Donald Trump’s Department of Education that removed nursing and other professions from the list of “professional” degrees have sparked backlash and confusion and could affect how students finance their educations in the future.
This news includes a high-level list of graduate-level career paths that can qualify you for larger federal student loans. This list of “specialized” programs has taken on new importance as the government rolls back programs that made carriers who fall off the list eligible for large loans.
Leaving nursing off the list may be perceived by some as neglecting an important field. In addition to nursing, other degree programs not explicitly included in the “professional” degree selection list could see lower loan limits than before.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, only about 20% of nursing staff in the United States have a master’s or doctoral level degree.
Who is considered a professional student? The list includes programs such as pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and law. While the list may not be exhaustive, advocates and professional organizations warn that it leaves out many important programs.
According to the bureau, graduate students were previously able to borrow money to pay for their attendance.
Here’s what that means for future students.
How much federal loans can graduate-level nursing students receive?
The new limit for graduate programs is $20,500 per year, for a total of $100,000. The cap for professional degrees will be $50,000 per year and the cap will be $200,000.
The proposal would eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program, which has historically helped students enter medicine, law, and other professions that require training. The Department of Education said Grad PLUS “encourages unsustainable student loan borrowing.” Additionally, the Parent PLUS program is capped at $20,000 per student per year and $65,000 total.
This means that students in programs that are not defined as “professional” degrees may have lower loan limits when pursuing those programs.
When will the new lending rules come into effect?
The Department of Education said the proposed rules would impact future student loan borrowing.
This financing change and overall adjustment to higher education finance and funding is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.
What other degrees are affected?
In addition to nursing, other degree programs not explicitly included in the “professional” degree selection list could see lower loan limits than before. However, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities noted that some of these professions may meet regulatory requirements to be considered “professions” even though they are not cited as examples.
They include speech-language pathology, physical therapy, physician assistants, and many others.
Nurses and supporters express dissatisfaction with changes
Nurses and advocates across the country are calling for the decision to be reconsidered.
“Nurses make up the largest portion of the health care workforce and are the backbone of our nation’s health care system,” said Jennifer Mencik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association. “At a time when our nation’s health care faces historic nursing shortages and increased demand, restricting nurses’ access to graduate education funding threatens the very foundation of patient care.”
Contributors: Zachary Schermele and Kate Perez, USA TODAY
