Nursing Schools Face Hurdles Due to Loan Rule Changes
New Rules Limit Borrowing for Graduate Programs
A recent decision by the Education Department has sparked concern among nursing schools and professionals. The department's new rules limit borrowing for certain graduate programs, including nursing. This has led to worries about a potential shortage of advanced nursing professionals.
Lawmakers Push Back
Several Republicans, including Reps. Mike Lawler, Brian Fitzpatrick, Don Bacon, Rob Bresnahan, and Jen Kiggans, are pushing back against this decision. They argue that nursing should be included in the list of professions eligible for higher loan limits. These lawmakers have frequently challenged their own leadership on similar issues.
Education Department's Stance
The Education Department's decision is based on an existing federal definition. However, the upcoming sunset of the Grad Plus program, which allowed students to borrow up to the full cost of their advanced degrees, has made this distinction more important. The department's press secretary, Ellen Keast, emphasized that the goal is to protect students from overborrowing.
Social Media Stir and Clarifications
The omission of nursing from the list has caused a stir on social media. Some posts misrepresented the policy's intent, leading to confusion. The Education Department clarified that the decision was not a value judgment about the importance of nursing programs, but rather a way to distinguish borrowing limits.
Revisiting the Definition of Professional Degrees
Rep. G. T. Thompson, a senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, agreed that nursing should be considered a professional degree. He suggested that the definition of professional degrees might need to be revised to avoid leaving out important fields.
Costs of Advanced Nursing Degrees
- Master's of Science in Nursing: Ranges from $15,030 to $42,880
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Ranges from $63,570 to $172,280
The Education Department argues that allowing full-cost loans for these programs has driven up tuition rates and that caps will ultimately drive down costs.
Concerns from Nursing Schools
Eileen Fry-Bowers, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of San Francisco, noted that schools have competitive reasons to keep tuition costs low. She also highlighted the unique challenges of educating health care professionals, which often requires more staff and resources.
Annette Wysocki, dean of the School of Nursing for the University at Buffalo, expressed concerns about attracting faculty. She pointed out that many teaching roles require advanced degrees, and capping loans for these programs could discourage professionals from pursuing teaching careers.
A Nurse Practitioner's Perspective
Rep. Jen Kiggans, a nurse practitioner herself, understands the department's point but believes the lower loan caps send the wrong message. She argues that it gives the impression that nurses are not valued.
