Urgent Update: Nursing and Key Degrees Excluded from Loan Aid

URGENT UPDATE: Major changes are on the horizon for student loan reimbursement as the Department of Education implements new measures from President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Effective from July 2026, the classification of degrees as “professional” will significantly impact financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

These changes have sparked serious concerns, particularly among nursing professionals and educators. Key degrees, including nursing, physical therapy, and social work, are now excluded from the “professional” designation, limiting students’ access to higher loan amounts. The news is alarming as many educational programs vital for healthcare and community services are left without adequate financial support.

According to the new guidelines, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will replace the previous Grad PLUS program, with annual loan limits set at $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students. This dramatic shift raises questions about the future of essential careers in healthcare and education, as students may be deterred from pursuing these paths due to financial constraints.

The situation is exacerbated by rising tuition costs. Over the past 30 years, college tuition has doubled after adjusting for inflation, with an increase of 30 percent in just the last decade for public universities. As colleges prepare for further tuition hikes, the financial burden on students seeking degrees not classified as “professional” could become unmanageable.

Critics are voicing their concerns. Amy McGrath, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky, took to social media, stating, “Can someone explain how a theologian is considered more ‘professional’ than a nurse practitioner?” She highlighted the implications of the new classification, particularly for fields dominated by women, calling it a move to quietly push women out of professional careers.

In response to the decision, the American Nurses Association has launched a petition urging the Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree. Their statement emphasized that excluding nursing from this definition undermines decades of progress in healthcare and contradicts the Department’s acknowledgment that professional programs lead to licensure and direct practice.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to explicitly include postbaccalaureate nursing education as professional to strengthen the nation’s healthcare workforce. They argue that this change is crucial for supporting future nurses and improving patient care across communities.

With these new measures set to take effect in July 2026, the immediate implications for students and educational institutions are profound. The question of which degrees will qualify for financial support is now a matter of urgency and concern, particularly as the nation grapples with existing workforce shortages in critical fields.

As this situation develops, stakeholders in education and healthcare are urged to stay informed and take action. The potential ramifications of these changes could reshape the landscape of higher education and professional training in the United States, making it critical for students and advocates alike to voice their concerns.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and what it means for the future of education and professional careers across the country.