Campaign aims to make graduate nursing student loans eligible for higher limits

More than 250 messages from AONL members urged their congressional members to sign a letter from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to the Department of Education expressing concerns with its omission of post-baccalaureate nursing programs from its proposed definition of “professional degree” programs. The exclusion means nursing students enrolled in Master’s, PhD and DNP programs are eligible for a maximum of $100,000 in new federal loans instead of $200,000. Merkley maintains post-baccalaureate nursing programs should meet the department’s definition of professional degree, adding such students have a demonstrated need to access the higher borrowing limits. Taking out additional loans will make it more difficult for them to complete their degree. In a HealthLeaders article, nurse leaders note the omission, if unchanged, will exacerbate workforce shortages and harm patient care.