Education Department Moves to Narrow 'Professional' Degrees, Prompting Nursing Backlash

Overview

• An advisory committee approved the draft in early November, with a formal proposal expected in early 2026 and implementation targeted for July 1, 2026 after public comment.
• Under the plan, listed programs could access up to $50,000 per year or $200,000 total in federal graduate loans, while other graduate students would be capped at $20,500 per year or $100,000 total.
• The draft list includes medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, theology, and clinical psychology.
• Nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, education, architecture, accounting and other programs would fall under lower caps, worrying universities and professional groups about cost and access.
• The department rejected claims that nursing is being “declassified,” saying internal data show 95% of nursing students borrow below the $20,500 annual limit, while nursing leaders warn the change would strain primary care and worsen faculty shortages.