Recognize Social Work as a Professional Degree in OBBBA Implementation

I am deeply concerned about the U.S. Department of Education's proposed definition of "professional student" under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This new definition, which excludes social work programs, threatens to undermine the future of social work education and the vital services social workers provide to our communities. The proposed definition requires programs to have a 4-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code and include a path to professional licensure. However, it fails to recognize social work as a professional degree, despite the field's rigorous educational requirements and licensure processes. This oversight could have far-reaching consequences for our nation's mental health workforce and the vulnerable populations they serve. Social workers are the backbone of our mental and behavioral health services. They play a crucial role in supporting individuals and communities facing complex challenges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growing demand for social workers over the next decade, making it imperative that we maintain a robust pipeline of qualified professionals. The exclusion of social work from professional degree status, combined with the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans, could severely restrict access to graduate education in this critical field. Preliminary data suggests that this change could affect 370,000 students and result in over $8 billion in federal loans no longer being available. This represents a staggering 22% of annual federal loan disbursements. I urge you to support the recommendation made by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Federation of Associations of Schools of Health Professions (FASHP) to use CIP Code 51 (Health Professions and Related Programs) in determining professional degree eligibility. This approach would rightfully include social work and other essential health-related professions. As the Department of Education finalizes these regulations, I implore you to advocate for the recognition of social work as a professional degree. Our communities depend on social workers, and we must ensure that future generations of these dedicated professionals have access to the education they need to serve our most vulnerable populations. The strength of our social safety net and the well-being of countless individuals hang in the balance.