The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has proposed changes that redefine “professional degrees,” impacting various fields of study. The bill now includes degrees such as Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and Theology. However, nursing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, audiology programs, speech-language pathology, counseling and mental health therapy, social work, and Health Administration are now excluded from this definition.
One significant change proposed in the bill is the limitation on loans for graduate student degrees. The new limits cap loans at $20,500 per year and $100,000 total for non-professional programs. On the other hand, for programs designated as “professional,” the limits are set at $50,000 per year and $200,000 total. Previously, student loans could cover the full cost of attendance.
The Department of Education claims that these changes are necessary to eliminate unsustainable student loan borrowing through programs like Grad PLUS, cap Parent PLUS Loans, simplify loan repayment plans, and create a new Repayment Assistance Plan. The administration argues that borrowing up to the cost of attendance may not have a positive return on investment. They also clarify that the classification of nursing as a non-professional degree does not diminish the importance of the field but is merely an internal distinction for loan limits.
Many experts in various fields have raised concerns about the potential impacts of these changes. Organizations like the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health have voiced opposition, highlighting the need for inclusivity in the definition of “professional” degrees.
In the field of nursing, leaders like the American Nurses Association president, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, have expressed worry about limiting access to funding for graduate education. They argue that advanced practice registered nurses play a crucial role in providing essential care, especially in underserved areas. The potential impact on rural and underserved communities where NPs and PAs are primary care providers could be significant.
Similarly, in public health, the proposed changes could have detrimental effects on the workforce. With already existing shortages of health professionals and public health workers, limiting access to loans for education could exacerbate these issues. Experts warn that shutting down the pipeline for new nurses and healthcare professionals could worsen shortages and put communities at risk.
As the Department of Education prepares to release a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, it is essential for stakeholders to engage in the process by submitting public comments and contacting Congressional representatives to voice concerns about the potential consequences of these proposed changes. It is crucial to advocate for policies that support the education and training of healthcare professionals to ensure the continued delivery of quality care to all communities.
