Administration Redefines “Professional,” Limiting Loans For RNs, PT, MPH, And More

The administration finalized a rule narrowing who qualifies for “professional” degree loan access.

Medicine, law, dentistry, and pharmacy remain covered, but many graduate health and education programs do not.

Advanced nursing, physician assistant, PT/OT, public health, social work, and counseling students will face lower federal loan limits starting July 1.

Professional groups are strongly opposing the change and warning it could increase private borrowing and worsen workforce shortages.