Education Department Proposal Would Exclude Nursing From 'Professional' Degree Category, Tighten Graduate Loan Caps

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed a narrower definition of "professional degree" that would exclude advanced nursing programs and impose lower federal loan limits for many graduate students. The proposal, announced Nov. 6, would introduce annual and lifetime borrowing caps based on whether a graduate program is classified as a professional degree.

What the proposal would change

Under the plan, non-professional graduate students would be limited to $20,500 in federal loans per year and a $100,000 lifetime maximum. Programs that qualify as professional degrees would be eligible for higher caps: $50,000 per year with a $200,000 lifetime limit. The department's current list of degrees it treats as professional includes pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry and theology.

Why nursing groups are alarmed

The American Nurses Association and nursing school leaders say excluding advanced nursing degrees from the professional category would sharply reduce access to funding for students pursuing master's and doctoral clinical credentials. Nursing leaders warn the change could discourage candidates from seeking training for roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife and certified registered nurse anesthesiologist (CRNA), potentially worsening provider shortages.

Antonia Villarruel, dean of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, said the proposal will not reduce the real costs of training advanced clinicians, noting expensive simulation labs and supervised clinical experiences that protect patient safety.

Claims, data and unanswered questions

The Education Department said the technical classification is meant to distinguish which programs qualify for higher borrowing limits and argued the change could pressure institutions to rein in tuition. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said the aim is to encourage universities to lower costs so students "don’t have to go into insurmountable debt to finance degrees." The department also noted that 95% of nursing students currently borrow below the $20,500 annual limit and thus would not be affected.

But independent data complicates that claim: the National Center for Education Statistics reported in July that graduate nursing programs cost, on average, more than $30,000 per year. Nursing deans say even if most students borrow under $20,500 now, the higher costs of advanced clinical training can push many students beyond that threshold.

Voices from students and educators

Students planning advanced nursing careers say the caps could force them to rely more on private loans, savings or extended work schedules. Naimah Brandy, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student in Columbus, Ohio, said the limits are frustrating but have strengthened her resolve to pursue a nurse practitioner degree. Brad Bass, who was accepted into a CRNA program, said he has been saving and working long hours, but expects to rely on private loans in addition to any federal allotment.

Michael Relf, dean of Duke University School of Nursing, warned that reduced access to federal loans could lead to fewer graduates from advanced practice programs and ultimately reduce the health-care workforce available to meet patient needs.

Next steps

The proposed loan caps would take effect in July 2026 if finalized. The Education Department said the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal before any final rule is issued. Meanwhile, nursing groups have mobilized: a petition organized by the American Nurses Association asking the department to explicitly include advanced nursing degrees has collected more than 200,000 signatures from nurses and patients.

Note: This article includes statements from nursing leaders, students and Education Department officials to summarize the proposed changes and reactions. Public comment periods and final rulemaking could alter the proposal before implementation.