States Sue to Block Student Loan Limits on Healthcare Degrees

The lawsuit challenges a rule that redefines "professional degree," impacting loan limits for graduate students. Previously, graduate students could borrow up to the cost of their program, but now limits cap annual borrowing for most at $20,500 with a total limit of $100,000. The Trump administration narrowed the types of graduate degrees that qualify as "professional" and for which students can borrow up to $50,000 a year and $200,000 overall. This change excludes programs like nursing, physical therapy, and nurse anesthesia. The states argue this exceeds the Education Department’s authority and will worsen healthcare workforce shortages. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown stated the rule will make it more difficult for Washingtonians to pursue professional degrees and build a robust network of primary care providers. The lawsuit also challenges provisions governing current students, potentially stripping some students of protections if they transfer or temporarily leave their programs.

The rule limits federal student loans for graduate degrees in certain healthcare fields.

Nursing, physical therapy, and nurse anesthesia are among the programs excluded from higher loan limits.

They argue the rule unlawfully restricts access to student loans and will worsen healthcare workforce shortages.

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