1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Department of Education's proposed changes to the definition of "professional degrees" in relation to student loan eligibility. This proposal, stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of July 2025, would severely restrict federal loan access for graduate students in vital fields such as education, nursing, social work, and various healthcare professions. The current proposal would limit annual borrowing to $20,500 with a $100,000 lifetime cap for these programs, down from $50,000 annually and a $200,000 lifetime cap for "professional degree" students. This drastic reduction fails to recognize the critical nature of these professions and the extensive training they require. It's crucial to note that many of the affected professions, including teachers, nurses, and social workers, are mandated reporters of child abuse. These professionals play a vital role in protecting our most vulnerable citizens, and their training should not be compromised due to financial constraints. The narrow interpretation of a 1965 regulation to define "professional degrees" is outdated and does not reflect the evolving landscape of professional education. Fields like public health, physician assistant studies, and various therapy disciplines are essential to our healthcare system and should be afforded the same loan opportunities as other professional programs. I urge you to advocate for maintaining the "professional degree" designation for these critical fields. The final rules are expected by spring 2026, with new policies set to take effect on July 1, 2026. There is still time to influence this decision and ensure that we continue to support and cultivate the professionals our communities rely on. Please take action to prevent this shortsighted change. Our education and healthcare systems depend on well-trained professionals, and we must not create additional barriers to entering these crucial fields. The long-term costs to our society far outweigh any short-term savings in student loan caps.