Nursing Degrees Take a Hit: New Loan Rules Spark Concern
Nursing Degrees No Longer Classified as "Professional"
The U.S. Department of Education has introduced new rules that have sparked significant backlash. Nursing degrees are no longer classified as "professional" degrees, and a key loan program has been ended. Nursing groups are outraged by these changes.
Impact of the Changes
The changes come under President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." They affect how students, especially those pursuing advanced nursing degrees, can finance their education. The Department of Education also plans to cap Parent PLUS Loans and eliminate Grad PLUS loans, which help cover education costs not included in other financial aid.
New Loan Limits
- Graduate Students:
- Annual Cap: $20,500
Total Limit: $100,000
- Professional Students:
- Annual Cap: $50,000
- Total Limit: $200,000
Historical Context
The current definition of "professional" degrees dates back to a 1965 federal law. It includes fields like pharmacy, dentistry, and law. Nursing, along with other health-related degrees, is now left out. This shift has raised alarms about the future of the nursing workforce.
Nursing Organizations Push Back
Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, fears the changes will worsen the nursing shortage. She worries fewer nurses will pursue advanced degrees, leading to a lack of educators for future nurses.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has also spoken out. They urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent to reconsider. The AACN warns that limiting loan access could devastate the nursing workforce.
Department of Education's Defense
The Department of Education has defended the changes. Press secretary Ellen Keast called the backlash "fake news." She claims the new rules align with historical definitions and end unlimited tuition funding.
