NCC thanks Merkley, Kiggans for introducing bill to reclassify graduate nursing degrees

AONL and the other 64 members of the Nursing Community Coalition thanked Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., for introducing the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act (S. 4568/H.R. 8691). The bicameral and bipartisan bill would ensure that students enrolled in post-baccalaureate nursing degree programs are eligible for higher federal student loan limits of $50,000 annually and $200,000 in total, the amount permitted for professional degree programs. The Department of Education’s final rule stipulates post-baccalaureate nursing degree programs are graduate degree programs, making students only eligible for lower federal student loan limits of $20,500 annually and $100,000 in total. The NCC says the bill is vital to ensuring “advanced nursing education pathways remain strong” and urges Congress to pass the legislation this year. (NCC letter, 6/11/26)