ED's Problematic "Professional Degree" Definition (opinion)

"Students complete rigorous professional-level coursework while rotating through multiple clinical sites to gain hands-on experience. Unlike in many graduate programs, PA students cannot work during their studies, as clinical rotations are full-time and often require travel across multiple locations. Within this context, federal student aid is not optional; it is the lifeline that allows students to stay in their programs and complete the training they have worked for years to achieve."

"Tuition alone -not including expenses like housing, food and other needs-for PA programs often exceeds $90,000 for the duration of the program due to the unique costs associated with health professional education, such as simulation technology and clinical placement expenses. Under the department's proposal, federal student aid would only cover a fraction of this amount."

A proposed federal definition of "professional degree" tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would impose a $20,500-per-year federal student loan cap for many health professional students. Physician assistant programs are especially vulnerable because students engage in intensive, clinically immersive coursework and full-time rotations that preclude paid work. Tuition and program-specific costs often exceed $90,000, and federal aid at the capped level would cover only a fraction of total expenses. Students without private resources may face crippling private debt or be forced to abandon training. Similar risks apply to nurse practitioner, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students.

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