Federal Regulatory Definition of Professional Degree
The Department of Education released its final rule regarding the definition of professional degree programs, excluding nursing from the "professional degree' programs. Nurses pursuing their MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing will have federal borrowing limits of $20,500 per year and $100,000 in aggregate. Students in programs deemed a “professional degree” by the DoE will quality for up to $50,000 a year in federal loans and a $200,000 aggregate limit.
"Recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing education as a professional degree is critical to building a stronger health care workforce and preparing the next generation of nurses to meet the nation's needs. This designation affirms the vital role of advanced nursing education in all areas of nursing practice – clinical care delivery, academia and leadership. Without advanced nursing education funding, there is even greater risk of workforce shortages in an already strained environment as there will be fewer nurses entering and advancing within the profession.
With many advanced degree-seeking nursing students carrying significant loan debt, ensuring they receive the same recognition and resources as peers in other health disciplines is essential to a sustainable future for nursing. Failing to recognize nursing as a professional degree will severely restrict access to funding for graduate nursing education, undermining efforts to grow and sustain the nursing workforce."
AONL Comments on Department of Education Rule on “Professional Degree” Designation
February 25, 2026
AONL’s public comments to the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE Committee opposing the approved rule that excludes post baccalaureate nursing degree programs—MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nursing—from the definition of "professional degree" programs for purposes of federal loan limits.
“AONL is deeply disappointed by the Department of Education’s RISE Committee final rule, which excludes post‑baccalaureate nursing education from the definition of a professional degree. This decision fails to recognize the rigor, licensure requirements and essential role of advanced nursing education in preparing nurses to practice, lead, teach and deliver care across all settings. By classifying post‑baccalaureate nursing programs as non‑professional, the rule significantly limits access to federal student loan support for nurses pursuing graduate education. At a time of persistent workforce shortages across our nation’s health care system, this policy creates additional barriers for nurses seeking to enter and advance within the profession, ultimately weakening our ability to prepare the next generation of nurses, educators and leaders essential to provide timely, high-quality care for patients and communities nationwide.”
AONL Position
AONL urges the Department to explicitly include post‑baccalaureate nursing degree programs—Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing—within the definition of “professional degree” programs.
Why This Matters
Recognition as a professional degree program ensures that nursing students have access to the same federal funding opportunities as their peers in medicine, law, and other health professions. This is essential for:
- Building and sustaining the nursing workforce
- Reducing financial barriers to advanced nursing education
- Addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages
- Ensuring equitable treatment across health professions
Key Resources
- NCC Supports Nursing as a Professional Degree (PDF)
- AHA Fact Sheet (Coming Soon)
Featured Resource
Federal Student Loan Limits for Graduate and Professional Programs Factsheet
Download our latest factsheet detailing the proposed changes to federal student loan limits and how they impact the nursing workforce.