In an unexpected turn, the Trump administration has redefined which graduate programs count as “professional” — and the implications are huge. Under changes brought in by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), many fields that have long been considered professional are now excluded from that status.
For students, this means lower federal loan limits, making education in these sectors potentially more expensive or harder to access.
Let’s break down what has changed, which degrees are affected, and what students can do about it.
What’s Really Changing — The New Definition of “Professional” Degree
At the heart of the controversy is how the Department of Education (DOE) is now defining “professional degree” for the purposes of student loans.
According to their revised interpretation, a professional program is one that “signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor’s degree,” where licensing is also generally required.
But under the OBBBA and associated rule changes, the DOE is limiting which fields count as “professional” — and many traditionally “professional” degrees are being left out.
This matters because of loan limits:
- From July 1, 2026, students in programs labeled as “professional” will be able to borrow up to $50,000/year, with a $200,000 lifetime cap.
- Students in other (non-professional) graduate programs will be limited to $20,500/year, with a $100,000 lifetime cap.
- The Grad PLUS loan program (which previously allowed students to borrow up to their cost of attendance) is being eliminated for new borrowers
Which Degrees Are Not Counted as Professional Under the New Rules
According to multiple reports, several important and highly skilled fields are being excluded from the “professional” category. Here are some of the key degrees not classed as “professional” under the Trump administration changes:
- Nursing (including advanced nursing degrees) — Mint
- Physician Assistants (PA) — Mint
- Physical Therapy / Physical Therapists — Al Mayadeen English
- Audiology / Audiologists — Al Mayadeen English
- Social Work / Social Workers — Mint
- Education / Teaching Degrees — Mint
- Architecture / Architects — Archinect
- Accounting / Accountants — Mint
- Speech-Language Pathology / Counselors / Therapists (some reports mention these too) — Al Mayadeen English
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Degrees Still Counted as Professional (Eligible for Higher $50,000/Year Cap)
In contrast, the following degrees are still considered “professional” under the new DOE definition:
- Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) — noted by negotiators for inclusion
- Medicine (MD) — TICAS
- Dentistry (DDS / DMD) — U.S. Department of Education
- Pharmacy (Pharm.D) — U.S. Department of Education
- Optometry (OD) — TICAS
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — TICAS
- Osteopathic Medicine (DO) — TICAS
- Podiatry (DPM) — TICAS
- Chiropractic (DC) — TICAS
- Theology (M.Div / MHL) — TICAS
Why is This Change Controversial?
1. Financial Barriers for Critical Fields
Students in nursing, teaching, social work, and therapy programs often rely heavily on federal loans. Lower loan limits may deter students from entering these professions — all of which already face shortages.
2. Confusing and Narrow Definition
Critics argue that the definition used is outdated and doesn’t reflect the modern workforce. Many licensed, service-oriented roles were excluded without clear justification.
3. Potential Impact on Workforce Shortages
Healthcare, social services, and education are fields already facing staffing crises. Reduced financial support may worsen these shortages.
4. Equity Concerns
Many affected fields are dominated by women and minority communities. Lowering loan limits could disproportionately affect these groups.
5. Uncertainty for Universities
Many programs do not neatly fit into the government’s new classification, leaving institutions unsure about how students will be impacted.
What Students Can Do Now: Practical Advice
1. Confirm Your Program’s Classification
Speak to your university’s financial aid office to learn how your degree will be classified under the new rules.
2. Explore Alternative Funding
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- State-funded grants
- Employer-reimbursement programs
- Public-sector loan forgiveness options
These can help offset lower federal loan amounts.
3. Consider Private Loans Carefully
Private loans may fill the gap but often have higher interest rates and fewer repayment protections.
4. Evaluate Return on Investment
Before committing, compare the total cost of your program with expected future earnings — especially in fields affected by the new caps.
5. Participate in Advocacy
Professional organizations, unions, and universities are actively pushing for revisions. Add your voice through petitions, forums, or public comment periods.
Final Thoughts
The Trump administration’s decision to redefine “professional degrees” creates significant financial challenges for students in many essential fields. From nursing to architecture to social work, many programs once considered vital are now placed in a lower loan limit category.
While this shift may create immediate obstacles, students and institutions still have options. Through informed planning, financial strategy, and active advocacy, it’s possible to navigate these changes effectively.
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