1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent federal changes to loan limits for professional and graduate programs that inexplicably exclude social work. This oversight not only undermines the rigorous professional standards of Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs but also threatens access to this vital profession. Social work is an essential component of our healthcare system and social services infrastructure. The exclusion of social work from the professional degree category in loan limit considerations is both short-sighted and potentially harmful to our communities. This decision fails to recognize the extensive training, expertise, and professional standards that social workers must meet. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio Chapter, in collaboration with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and other partners, is advocating for the Department of Education to rectify this oversight. I strongly urge you to support their efforts and push for the inclusion of social work as a recognized professional degree in loan limit considerations. This issue goes beyond mere categorization. It directly impacts the ability of aspiring social workers to finance their education and enter a field that is crucial for addressing mental health, healthcare, and social justice issues in our society. By limiting financial support for social work education, we risk reducing the number of qualified professionals available to serve our communities' most vulnerable members. I request that you take immediate action to address this issue with the Department of Education. Specifically, I ask that you: 1. Advocate for the inclusion of social work in the professional degree category for loan limit purposes. 2. Support the upcoming public comment period by encouraging your constituents to participate and share their experiences. 3. Engage with NASW and CSWE to understand the full impact of this exclusion on the social work profession and our communities. The strength of our social support systems depends on having well-trained, adequately supported social work professionals. By ensuring fair loan limits for social work education, we invest in the well-being of our society as a whole. I urge you to take swift action on this critical issue.