Professional Student Loan Caps Omit Nursing
The Department of Education released its proposed rule on graduate loan limits and the definition of ‘professional’ degree programs. Comment on the proposed rule by 3/2.
As the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) goes into effect, the Department of Education (ED) is tasked with reducing government support for federal graduate school loans that are not subsidized. The ED formed a committee to identify how to implement the provisions, which set two designations: professional and graduate degrees, each with a specific loan cap.
At this time, The ED has released a proposed rule implementing the provisions; and are proposing a definition of ‘professional degree’ programs that does not include nursing, making them ineligible for the higher loan cap.
What This Means for Nurses:
Excluding nursing from the definition of ‘professional degrees’ means that graduate nursing students will have a lower cap on the amount of federal loans they can receive:
- Graduate loan caps: limits of $20,500 annual / $100,000 total
- ‘Professional’ loan caps: $50,000 annual / $200,000 total
A survey of deans by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that:
- 78% said the annual loan cap will negatively impact their post-baccalaureate enrollment,
- 70% said the lifetime loan cap will negatively impact their post-baccalaureate enrollment, and
- 77% said the new loan caps will negatively impact faculty at their college of nursing.
Background:
The ED is implementing provisions of the OBBBA that would set new limits on how much graduate and professional students can borrow in federal loans. A Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee convened and began a process known as negotiated rulemaking, finding consensus on a policy approach prior to the formal regulatory rulemaking process.
The ED issued a proposed rule based on recommendations from a committee through negotiated rulemaking. The proposed rule sets parameters and a list of degrees that qualify for higher ‘professional’ loan caps. All other graduate students—including registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)—will face loan caps that are significantly lower.
Professions included in new ‘professional degree’ definition:
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Veterinary medicine
- Chiropractic
- Law
- Clinical psychology
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Osteopathic medicine
- Podiatry
- Theology
The release of the proposed rule opened a 30-day comment period, with comments due on March 2. This comment period gives an opportunity to weigh in on why ED must include post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in the professional definition.
What We’re Doing:
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is working closely with our coalition partners – both within and beyond the nursing community – to ensure a strong, unified response.
ANA will submit formal comments and lead a multi-pronged advocacy campaign as opportunities to pressure DOE to recognize nursing as a professional field arise.
Grassroots:
Submit a Comment
Ensure your voice is heard. Comment on the Department of Education’s proposed rule on federal student loan limits!
Coalition Work:
Already, two major coalitions that ANA engages with have submitted letters to the Department urging inclusion of nurses and APRNs.
Next Steps:
The Department of Education published its proposed rule, and the public comment window closes March 2. We are collaborating with our Constituent/State Nursing Associations on a coordinated, rapid response to amplify our position.
Check back for more updates, talking points, and grassroot calls to actions as this issue develops.