"The Trump administration left nursing off a list of "professional" degrees in a move that could directly limit how future nurses will finance their education. Removing the profession from the list will have a major impact, after the passing of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced a cap on borrowing."
"As of July 1, 2026, students who are not enrolled in professional degree programs will be subject to a borrowing cap of $20,500 per year and a lifetime cap of $100,000."
""To go from 'healthcare hero' to not being recognized as a professional is such a backhanded slap," Etim-Edet says," especially at a time when legal precedent has made it clear that nurses are as responsible for provider mistakes as the providers themselves.""
"'We are disrespected, underpaid, and under-resourced,' she added. 'Still, we serve.'"
Nursing was removed from a federal list of "professional" degrees, affecting loan eligibility and limits under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Beginning July 1, 2026, students not in professional programs face a $20,500 annual cap and $100,000 lifetime cap, while professional programs allow $50,000 annually and $200,000 lifetime. Nursing is the largest U.S. healthcare profession with about 4.5 million registered nurses and roughly 76% rely on financial aid for education. The change has prompted strong backlash from nurses who say the decision disrespects the profession and jeopardizes access to necessary education funding.
Read at Fast Company
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