A new Trump administration proposal would remove nursing from the list of “professional degrees,” a change that could sharply limit how much nursing students can borrow and potentially deepen the nation’s nurse shortage. Under the “one big, beautiful bill” act, professional programs can borrow up to $50,000 per year, while non-professional programs — including nursing — would be capped at $20,500 annually starting July 1, 2026.
Why Nursing Was Left Out
The Education Department’s draft rule defines a professional degree as one required to begin practice in certain fields. It includes medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy and others — but not nursing, physical therapy or physician assistant programs. Nursing leaders say the exclusion “makes no sense,” warning it could shrink graduate-level enrollment at a time when hospitals and clinics already face critical workforce gaps.
Government’s Response
Federal officials argue the new caps are designed to prevent students from taking on “insurmountable debt” and say 95% of nursing students won’t be affected. They note that currently enrolled students will keep their existing loan limits and suggest high-tuition programs may be pressured to lower costs.
Growing Pushback From Health Professionals
Nursing advocates, economists and rural health experts say the proposal could restrict entry into advanced nursing roles, worsen shortages in underserved communities and hurt morale across the profession. Several professional groups — from social work to audiology — have also objected to being left off the list.
What’s Next
The Education Department plans to publish the proposal in the Federal Register for public comment. Nursing organizations hope the agency revises the definition before finalizing the rule, warning that the current language could slow the pipeline of urgently needed nurses.
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