Nursing Degrees Take a Hit: New Loan Rules Spark Concern

New rules from the U. S. Department of Education have stirred up a storm. Nursing degrees are no longer classified as "professional" degrees. This change, along with the end of a key loan program, has nursing groups up in arms. The changes come under President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act. " They affect how students, especially those pursuing advanced nursing degrees, can finance their education. The Department of Education also plans to cap Parent PLUS Loans and eliminate Grad PLUS loans. These loans help cover education costs not included in other financial aid. The definition of "professional" degrees has been updated. Nursing programs are now excluded. This means stricter borrowing limits for students. The changes will take effect next summer. Annual loan caps for graduate students will be $20, 500, with a total limit of $100, 000. For professional students, the cap is $50, 000 annually, with a total limit of $200, 000. The current definition of "professional" degrees dates back to a 1965 federal law. It includes fields like pharmacy, dentistry, and law. Nursing, along with other health-related degrees, is now left out. This shift has raised alarms about the future of the nursing workforce. Nursing organizations are pushing back. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, fears the changes will worsen the nursing shortage. She worries fewer nurses will pursue advanced degrees, leading to a lack of educators for future nurses. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has also spoken out. They urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent to reconsider. The AACN warns that limiting loan access could devastate the nursing workforce. The Department of Education has defended the changes. Press secretary Ellen Keast called the backlash "fake news. " She claims the new rules align with historical definitions and end unlimited tuition funding.