Proposed Rule Excluding Graduate Nursing Students from Higher Loan Limits Issued

The Department of Education published the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee’s proposed rule omitting post-baccalaureate nursing programs from its regulatory definition of “professional degree” programs as part of student loan regulations. The proposed rule will be open for a 30-day public comment period, during which the public may submit written input before the final rule is issued. AONL will comment on the rule and provide members with talking points to submit comments on the final rule. The exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees from the regulatory definition means nursing students enrolled in master’s, PhD and DNP programs are eligible for up to $100,000 in federal loans instead of $200,000. AONL is among 57 nursing organizations advocating against the policy, saying it would exacerbate the nursing shortage. A study published in Health Affairs Scholar found one-third of advanced practice nurses in Michigan hold significant student loan debt. The survey of 13,687 Michigan nurses found the average loan balance for advanced practice nurses is $66,420, with 29% owing more than $100,000. (AHA News article, 1/29/26)