Proposed Federal change Could Limit Nursing Student Loan Access
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A proposal under consideration by the federal government could reclassify nursing degrees, perhaps impacting the amount of financial aid available to students pursuing advanced nursing education. The change,if implemented,would categorize nursing as a non-professional degree for student loan purposes.
Currently, graduate nursing students have access to standard federal loan limits for professional degree programs. The proposed reclassification would cap annual borrowing at $20,500, with a lifetime limit of $100,000.This has raised concerns among healthcare professionals who fear it could exacerbate existing nursing shortages.
Carol Samsel, a representative from National Nurses United, expressed strong opposition to the proposal. “The nurse practitioners, the certified nurse anesthetists, or those with a master’s degree – most of them finance or borrow a importent portion of their education with the expectation of repayment after graduation,” Samsel stated. she characterized the potential reclassification as detrimental to the nursing profession.
Samsel highlighted the potential impact on rural kansas communities, where nurse practitioners often serve as primary healthcare providers. “Many rural communities in Kansas rely heavily on nurse practitioners for healthcare services,as access to physicians can be limited,” she explained.
sophie Nguyen, a nursing student at Wichita State University, voiced concerns about the economic implications for students, particularly those from lower-income families. “Restricting the amount of money students can borrow will disproportionately affect those with fewer financial resources,” Nguyen said.
Despite these concerns, Nguyen emphasized the dedication required to enter the healthcare field. “Becoming a nurse, or pursuing any healthcare profession, requires a special commitment. I don’t believe changes to labels or loan classifications will diminish the passion of those drawn to this work,” she added.
The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending final approval. The Department of Education plans to publish the proposal in the Federal register, initiating a period for public comment. The timing of the public comment period and a final decision on the proposal have not yet been announced.
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