The Trump administration's restructuring of student loan programs under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBBA) is set to exclude nursing programs from certain funding eligibility, raising concerns about the future of nursing education and the healthcare workforce. The changes include a revised repayment assistance plan and a new definition of a 'professional student,' which, while not changing the federal definition of a professional degree, inadvertently places nursing programs at a disadvantage. This decision, along with the elimination of the GRAD PLUS program, limits access to student loans, potentially deterring prospective nurses and exacerbating existing shortages. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has expressed deep concern, fearing a 'devastating' impact on the nursing profession.
By MARIA TEDESCO | The National News Desk\WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon addressed a significant overhaul of student loan programs and the potential impact on nursing students during a White House press briefing on November 20, 2025. The Trump administration's initiative, spearheaded by the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBBA), aims to restructure the Department of Education , transferring many of its functions to other government agencies.
This restructuring includes substantial changes to student loan programs, particularly concerning access to funding for various fields of study. A key point of contention revolves around the exclusion of nursing programs from eligibility for certain loan program funding, a decision that has raised concerns within the nursing community and among educational institutions. This exclusion could severely limit the financial resources available to aspiring nurses, potentially impacting enrollment, and ultimately, the healthcare workforce. The Education Department said they plan to eliminate its GRAD PLUS loan and to cap their PARENT PLUS loan.\The repercussions of this policy shift are far-reaching. The core of the changes lies in a revised repayment assistance plan and a new definition of a 'professional student.' While the federal definition of a 'professional degree' remains unchanged, the practical application of the new guidelines has inadvertently excluded nursing from the list of programs eligible for the most favorable loan terms. Students enrolled in programs deemed professional degrees, as defined by the new guidelines, could borrow up to $50,000 per year, with a maximum overall limit of $200,000. However, those in programs not classified as such, including nursing, would face significantly lower borrowing limits, potentially restricted to $20,500 per year and a total of $100,000. This disparity has sparked alarm among nursing educators and advocates, who fear it will exacerbate existing shortages in the nursing profession. The Education Department said it plans to eliminate its GRAD PLUS loan, which helps graduate and professional students pay for education not covered by financial aid. On top of that, they plan to cap their PARENT PLUS loan, which is given out to parents of undergraduate students. The limits in place cap at $20,000 per year per student and a $65,000 total limit.'Under President Trump’s OBBBA, the Department’s rulemaking will eliminate the Grad PLUS program, which has fueled unsustainable student loan borrowing. The implications of these changes are not limited to financial constraints. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has voiced its deep concern, emphasizing the potential for a 'devastating' impact on nursing education. AACN's statement highlights the belief that the exclusion of nursing from the definition of professional degree programs will restrict student loan access, potentially deterring prospective nurses from pursuing their education and contributing to the healthcare system. The department said it plans to eliminate its GRAD PLUS loan, which helps graduate and professional students pay for education not covered by financial aid. On top of that, they plan to cap their PARENT PLUS loan, which is given out to parents of undergraduate students. The limits in place cap at $20,000 per year per student and a $65,000 total limit.\In related news, several other incidents occurred. Speed and the lack of seat belt use contributed to the fatal Cache County crash that killed two teens Saturday evening, according to investigators. One person was hospitalized after a plane caught fire. Janna-Lee Holland with the Provo Police Department said they were notified that a 'small aircraft' was landA former West High School teacher was convicted of sexually abusing a 17-year-old student in his classroom and home. Sterrett 'Rett' Neale was found guilty of seA new Olympic logo for the 2034 Salt Lake Winter Games was unveiled on Monday, celebrating the '3,000 days out' milestone to the Games' return to Utah. The 2034, two teenagers were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Providence Saturday evening. Utah Highway Patrol public information officer Davies Sanchez confirmed just aft
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