Nursing Is No Longer Treated as a Professional Degree: What the New Federal Rules Mean for Students and the Future of Healthcare
The nursing profession is facing one of the biggest policy shifts in decades. A new federal interpretation from the U.S. Department of Education—initiated under the Trump administration—states that nursing is not considered a professional degree under federal financial-aid rules.
This change does far more than redefine a category. It directly affects how nursing students finance their education, how much they can borrow, and how the nation prepares the next generation of nurses at a time of historic shortages.
Below is a clear breakdown of what changed, why it matters, and what it means for nursing education moving forward.
Understanding the Policy Change
For years, students in advanced nursing programs (MSN, DNP, NP, CRNA, CNS) used the same federal loan options available to other professional programs. These often included higher borrowing limits and Grad PLUS loans, which helped cover expensive tuition costs.
The new ruling changes all of that.
What the Law Actually Says
The Department of Education clarified that:
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Nursing was never included in the original federal “professional degree” list created in 1965.
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The current update is meant to “clarify” long-standing definitions, not introduce a new policy.
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Nursing programs must now follow normal graduate borrowing limits, not professional-degree limits.
New Borrowing Limits
Under the updated rules:
Professional-degree programs
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$50,000 per year
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$200,000 lifetime cap
Standard graduate programs (including nursing)
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$20,500 per year
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$100,000 lifetime cap
In addition, starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program will be eliminated.
Nursing students—many of whom rely heavily on these loans—will have fewer financing options.
Why Nursing Was Excluded: The 1965 Definition
Much of the confusion stems from a 1965 federal law defining a “professional degree.”
This list included:
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Medicine (MD)
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Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
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Pharmacy (PharmD)
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Law (JD)
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Veterinary medicine (DVM)
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Optometry (OD)
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Chiropractic
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Osteopathic medicine (DO)
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Podiatry
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Theology
The law noted the list “was not exhaustive,” which is why many institutions assumed nursing qualified. For decades, colleges and financial aid offices interpreted nursing as a professional field.
However, the Department of Education now insists that the omission was intentional, and nursing does not qualify under that definition.
This reinterpretation significantly changes how nursing programs are treated today.
How Much Does Nursing School Cost?
The cost varies widely depending on the degree:
Entry-Level Programs
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CNA: $600–$2,000
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ADN: $3,000–$17,000 per year
Undergraduate
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BSN: $6,000–$60,000+ per year
Graduate & Advanced Practice
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MSN: $12,000–$100,000+
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DNP: $30,000–$140,000+
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CRNA: $150,000+
Since these programs already require significant financial investment, removing federal loan options may make it harder for future nurses to advance their careers.
Why Nursing Organizations Are Concerned
Healthcare leaders are warning that the new rule could worsen the country’s nursing shortage.
The U.S. faces:
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High burnout and turnover
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A shortage of nurse educators
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A shortage of advanced practice nurses
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An aging population with higher care needs
American Nurses Association’s Response
ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy warned:
“Limiting nurses’ access to funding for graduate education threatens the very foundation of patient care.”
She emphasized that advanced practice nurses—especially in rural and underserved areas—provide essential care where physicians are scarce.
How Many Students Will Be Affected?
Based on national enrollment data:
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260,000+ BSN students
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42,000+ ADN students
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Tens of thousands in MSN, DNP, NP, PA, and CRNA programs
Any of these students planning to pursue graduate or advanced roles will face tighter borrowing restrictions.
Which Degrees Still Qualify as Professional?
The following fields remain classified as professional degrees:
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Medicine
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Dentistry
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Pharmacy
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Veterinary medicine
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Optometry
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Law
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Clinical psychology
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Chiropractic
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Osteopathic medicine
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Podiatry
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Theology
Programs now excluded under the new interpretation:
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Nursing
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Nurse practitioner programs
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Physician assistant programs
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Physical therapy
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Audiology
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Occupational therapy
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Public health
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Social work
This creates a clear divide between federally prioritized professions and those—like nursing—that no longer qualify.
Real-World Impact: What Happens Next?
1. More Students Will Rely on Private Loans
With federal borrowing limited, students may turn to:
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Private lenders
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Higher-interest loans
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Co-signers
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Personal financing
2. Fewer People May Pursue Advanced Nursing Degrees
Expensive programs like NP, DNP, and CRNA may see fewer applicants.
3. Hospital Staffing May Suffer
Fewer advanced-practice nurses could mean:
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Longer wait times
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More strain on healthcare teams
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Reduced access in rural areas
4. Worsening Nationwide Nursing Shortages
Less financial support means fewer future nurse leaders, educators, and specialists.
Could the Rule Still Change?
Nursing organizations are expected to:
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Challenge the ruling
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Lobby Congress
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Push for funding reforms
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Advocate for including nursing in future federal updates
However, until the policy is revised, the current classification stands.
Final Thoughts
Nurses are essential to every part of the U.S. healthcare system. Reclassifying nursing as a non-professional degree has significant consequences—especially during a national nursing shortage.
With higher education costs rising and fewer federal loan options available, the new rules may discourage students from entering or advancing in nursing, ultimately impacting patient care nationwide.
FAQs
Why is nursing no longer considered a professional degree?
The Department of Education clarified that nursing was never included in the original 1965 federal definition of a “professional degree.” The updated guidance enforces that interpretation, lowering borrowing limits and removing access to Grad PLUS loans.
How does this change affect nursing students?
Nursing students now face lower borrowing caps—$100,000 instead of $200,000—and will lose access to Grad PLUS loans beginning July 1, 2026. This increases reliance on private loans and may limit access to graduate nursing programs.
Which degrees are still classified as professional?
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, veterinary medicine, optometry, clinical psychology, chiropractic, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, and theology remain classified as professional programs under federal financial-aid rules.
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