Federal Student Loan Rules Spark Outcry from Healthcare Professionals A recent regulatory change has left many in the healthcare industry reeling, as the government agency overseeing student loan programs has maintained a contentious definition of what constitutes a "professional" student. Under the current rule, graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, and other fields are not considered "professional" fields, thereby excluding them from higher loan caps. Healthcare groups are sounding the alarm, warning that the regulation could disproportionately harm students in these high-cost programs, forcing them to take on unsustainable debt loads. As the debate rages on, advocates are pushing for a reevaluation of the definition to ensure that all students have access to fair and affordable financial aid options.
The agency kept a contested definition of “professional” student that excludes fields like graduate nursing and physical therapy from higher loan caps. Healthcare groups say the regulation could ...
