The Trump administration has sparked controversy with a new education bill that removes nursing from the list of recognized “professional degrees,” a move that could have major consequences for student financing and the U.S. healthcare workforce.
Under the revised guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Education, graduate-level nursing programs — including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — are now classified as graduate degrees rather than professional degrees. This subtle reclassification carries significant implications for student loans. Previously, professional-degree students could borrow up to $200,000 under federal student loan programs. Graduate-degree students, however, are now capped at $100,000, effectively halving potential borrowing capacity for nursing students pursuing advanced education.
The changes coincide with the planned elimination of Grad PLUS loans, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, which were a primary source of funding for many graduate and professional students. Without these loans, nursing students may struggle to finance their education, particularly at a time when the nation faces a critical shortage of qualified nurses.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANA officials warn that restricting access to loans for nurses could hinder efforts to fill the growing demand for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and leaders in healthcare. “This move undervalues nursing as a profession and could exacerbate the shortage that hospitals and clinics are already struggling with,” said one spokesperson.
Critics argue that the change could have broader consequences for patient care. Graduate-level nursing education is essential for roles in advanced practice, hospital administration, research, and teaching future nurses. Limiting access to education for these professionals could slow progress in addressing healthcare disparities, leadership gaps, and innovations in patient care.
The Department of Education defends the change, stating that the updated classification is a “clarification” rather than a reclassification. Officials note that nursing was never explicitly listed in the 1965 regulations defining professional degrees and that narrowing the definition aligns with long-standing federal policy. They argue that the change helps prevent what they term “unlimited taxpayer-funded borrowing” while maintaining equity across professional and graduate programs.
Despite the official defense, healthcare experts and educators warn that the timing could not be worse. The U.S. is experiencing high demand for nurses at all levels, and financial barriers to advanced education could reduce the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals. Many fear this policy shift could disproportionately affect women, who make up the majority of the nursing workforce, raising concerns about equity and social impact.
As the debate unfolds, lawmakers, professional organizations, and educational institutions are expected to lobby for changes or exemptions to protect nursing students’ access to funding. The controversy highlights the tension between federal financial regulations and the practical needs of maintaining a robust healthcare workforce in a country grappling with ongoing shortages.
Watch video below :
