The Fight to Maintain Professional Status for Nursing and Other Vital Fields
A recent proposal by the Department of Education threatens to considerably impact access to federal student loan assistance for students pursuing degrees in crucial fields like nursing, social work, and education. Currently, students in programs leading to “professional” degrees are eligible for higher federal loan limits, reflecting the advanced training and frequently enough higher earning potential associated with these careers. However, the Department’s proposed narrowing of the definition of a “professional degree” coudl exclude these vital programs, creating important financial barriers for aspiring professionals.
The concern stems from the Department’s initial list of programs considered “professional,” which appears to prioritize fields like law and medicine. This omission is especially troubling given the growing demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals, and also educators and social workers. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Datalab, accessed via the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study of Graduate Students in 2020, many students rely on federal loans to finance their advanced education. [1]
This change could disproportionately affect women and students of color. The article highlights that Black women, in particular, frequently enough need a master’s degree to achieve the same earning potential as a white man with an associate’s degree. Without sufficient federal loan assistance, these students may be forced to turn to the private loan market, where qualification can be challenging due to existing credit and income disparities. A recent report from The Century Foundation details how a proposed GOP megabill could further limit access to college for these groups. [2] The potential consequence is that many students may abandon their aspirations to enter these essential fields altogether.
The situation isn’t final.The Department of Education will release its proposal for public comment in the Federal Register in early 2026, offering a 30-60 day window for feedback. Advocates are urging individuals to voice their opposition to the narrow definition of “professional degree” and advocate for the inclusion of programs like nursing,social work,and education. A strong public response could perhaps push the Department to reconsider its position.
As Aissa Canchola Bañez, Policy Director at Protect borrowers, notes, this is a critical moment to advocate for equitable access to education.Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, and Puneet Maharaj, Executive Director at National Nurses United, are also leading the charge to ensure these vital professions remain accessible to all qualified students.
those interested in staying informed and participating in the public comment period are encouraged to check back for updates and links on how to make their voices heard.
[1] National Postsecondary Student Aid Study of Graduate Students,2020,via National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Datalab (retrieval code: gdcowv).
[2] https://tcf.org/content/report/the-fico-factor-gop-megabill-will-limit-who-gets-to-access-college/
