U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Definition on Graduate Student Loan Caps
(May 6, 2026) - Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released a final rule defining the terms "professional student" and "graduate student" to determine federal student loan amounts based on the type of program a student is enrolled in. The rule defines "professional students" as individuals enrolled in one of 11 designated professional degree programs: pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, theology and clinical psychology.
Students in those programs would qualify for up to $50,000 in federal student loans per year, with an aggregate limit of $200,000. Students enrolled in all other graduate programs would be eligible for up to $20,500 in federal student loans per year, with an aggregate limit of $100,000. The changes are set to take effect on July 1.
We opposed this narrow definition and raised concerns in comments submitted to the U.S. Deptartment of Education earlier this year and to our Congressional delegation. Excluding skilled health professionals, such as advanced practice providers, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and many other roles requiring advanced training, from the higher student loan limit risks deterring prospective students from pursuing these in-demand health care careers.