AONL Comments on DOE Graduate Student Loan Provisions Rulemaking

AONL urged the Department of Education to include post-baccalaureate nursing degree programs ─ MSN, DNP and PhD in Nursing ─ within its definition of “professional degree” programs. Excluding them would cap federal loan borrowing for post-baccalaureate nursing students at rates significantly below average program costs and leave a substantial funding gap for the 69% of students who need federal loans to finance their education. The policy would “price out qualified students, depress enrollment and constrict pathways into becoming advanced practice nurses, educators and leaders” when these nurses are needed to ensure communities nationwide have access to timely, high-quality care, the letter notes. The American Hospital Association also submitted comments. AONL encourages members to submit their own comment letters by March 2 and has compiled resources to assist them. (AONL comment letter, 2/26/26)