Nursing degrees Face New Loan Limits Under Federal Changes
The Trump management is changing how student loans work, and it could make it harder for people to become nurses. As the administration rolls out changes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” nursing is no longer considered a professional degree for loan purposes.
This shift comes at a critical time. Wisconsin, like many states, is already struggling with a shortage of healthcare professionals. Making it more tough to finance advanced nursing degrees could worsen the problem.
According to the U.S. department of Education’s new definition of professional programs, nursing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and audiology programs are now excluded from the higher borrowing limits. These programs will now follow the standard graduate student borrowing rules.
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Students in programs considered “professional” – like medical, dental, and law school – can still borrow up to $50,000 per year, with a total limit of $200,000.
Though,all other graduate students,including those in nursing,are limited to $20,500 per year,or a total of $100,000.
The plan also eliminates Grad PLUS loans, further restricting funding options for many graduate students.