Graduate nursing students will lose access to higher federal loan limits previously available to professional degree programs.
Nursing students will be excluded from certain loan forgiveness programs reserved for professional degrees.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) are protesting this decision, emphasizing that nursing meets all criteria for a professional discipline.
This change may deter prospective students, especially those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and could lower application and graduation rates for RNs.
The new measures are scheduled to be implemented starting July 1, 2026.
The Department of Education's reclassification stems from the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Under this act, only students pursuing a designated "professional" degree can borrow up to $50,000 annually. The list of professional degrees includes medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and law, but notably excludes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists.
This decision makes it more challenging and expensive to become an advanced practice nurse. Graduate nursing students will lose financial benefits, potentially deterring prospective students. Nursing organizations fear this could reduce application and graduation rates from RN programs, worsening the nursing shortage.
The ANA and AACN argue that nursing meets all criteria for a professional discipline, including rigorous education and licensure. They are urging the Department of Education to reconsider, emphasizing the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system.
New Loan Limits:: Graduate programs will have annual loan limits of $20,500, while professional degrees have limits of $50,000.
Phase-In Period:: A phase-in period allows students enrolled and taking out Direct Loans to continue accessing current loans for up to three years.
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP):: New repayment plans are being introduced, with specific requirements for on-time payments to qualify for forgiveness.
Default Transition:: The Department is committed to making it easier for borrowers to transition out of default.
Stay informed about updates from organizations like the ANA and AACN.
Explore all available financial aid options.
Current Parent PLUS borrowers may want to consolidate their loans before July 1, 2026, to maintain access to income-driven repayment plans.
Prospective nursing students, particularly those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Current nursing students relying on federal loans to fund their education.
Healthcare facilities and communities facing nursing shortages.
Q: Why is nursing being excluded as a 'professional' degree?
The U.S. Department of Education is implementing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which redefines "professional degree" programs.
Q: How does this affect nursing students?
Graduate nursing students will lose access to higher federal loan limits and certain loan forgiveness programs.
Q: What are nursing organizations doing about it?
Organizations like the ANA and AACN are advocating for the Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree.
The Department of Education's decision to exclude nursing from the 'professional degree' classification has significant financial implications for nursing students.
This change could exacerbate the existing nursing shortage by deterring prospective students from pursuing advanced nursing education.
Nursing organizations are actively working to reverse this decision and ensure that nurses receive the recognition and financial support they deserve.
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