Last year, the Trump administration and U.S. The Department of Education declared new loan limits for recently-classified “professional” and “graduate” degrees.

On Nov. 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education came to a decision regarding new federal loan limits for graduate and professional degree programs in line with new regulations proposed by the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As of December 2025, the Department of Education officially outlined 11 fields in which graduate programs could award “professional” degrees and, therefore, qualify students for greater loans. 

Notably excluded — and colloquially referred to as “nonprofessional” fields — include, but are not limited to, nursing, social work, education, physical and occupational therapy and audiology.

The bill declared the elimination of graduate PLUS loans, decreased borrowing limitations for parent PLUS loans — $20,000 per student per year and $65,000 total per student — and implemented a new federal loan program, the Repayment Assistance Program.

The RAP, which will take effect on July 1, 2026, limits borrowing amounts for programs classified as “graduate” to $20,500 per year, $100,000 total, and $50,000 per year, $200,000 total, for those classified as “professional.” 

Despite the fact that the new classifications and loan limits set by the OBBA apply solely to graduate degrees, Meredith Guthrie, a professor and academic advisor in the department of communication, said these classifications could affect undergraduate degrees in the future as well.

Guthrie believes the distinction between what is classified as a “graduate” versus “professional” degree relies on “earning potential.” However, she said the inclusion and exclusion of certain fields seems contradictory to that fact.

“I know a lot of people with graduate degrees in theology, and none of them are going to get wealthy with their degrees,” Guthrie said. “Meanwhile, my friends who have graduate degrees in nursing are all earning well into the six figures.”

Guthrie pointed out demographic similarities across fields, notably not listed as awarding “professional” degrees.

“Fields left off this list — teaching, nursing and social work in particular — are fields that have more women than men in them and fields that often serve minority populations,” Guthrie said. “They are ‘service’ fields that help people — including low-income people and/or people of color.”

Guthrie said she is concerned about the underlying message of the new classifications.

“This does seem to point to a narrative that only jobs that earn over a certain amount are worthwhile, and therefore only those majors are worthwhile,” Guthrie said. “I do not want to limit college education only to what we need for the job market because I think that leads to a life and a culture that is fundamentally poor in knowledge and service to each other.”

Sophia Espaillat, junior nursing student, said she was disappointed to see that nursing was not among the list of other medical professions classified as “professional” programs.

“I think it’s very discouraging for students who would like to do more for not only themselves, but for their patients,” Espaillat said.

According to Espaillat, graduate programs are often promoted to nursing students, and she believes this classification could hinder students’ ability to attend.

“Especially for Pitt nursing students, there is such a push for us to go to grad[uate] school,” Epsiallat said. “I think for students who just can’t afford it, it’s definitely a deterrent.”

Though an “unfortunate” situation, Espaillat said she believes public perception of the field remains positive.

“Something they drill into us the first day of class is that nursing is the most-trusted profession for the past [24] years in a row, and they were only passed by firefighters [after] 9-11,” Espaillat said. “I think the respect and the love for nurses is there from the public, but, in other places, not so much.”

Paris Keegan, a senior majoring in social work, said she relies on student loans for her education and is concerned for students who may have a harder time obtaining loans in the future.

“I fully go to Pitt on student loans,” Keegan said. “Thinking about future students who may not have that opportunity to get this kind of education, to put in all these long hours to get there is really upsetting.”

Keegan said she believes not being classified as “professional” could worsen perceptions about the field.

“I’m hoping that this doesn’t stop [future students] or scare them into thinking you’re not gonna be able to get a job or you’re not gonna be able to get paid well, which is already a common misconception with social work,” Keegan said.

Keegan also said she is concerned the new classifications could hurt the ability of social workers in the field. 

“Another worry is how potential clients and community members that we could help [will view] social work,” Keegan said. “Our biggest thing is to build rapport and trust with the people that we’re serving.”

Reese West, a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, said classifying certain programs as “professional” is insulting to those in other fields. 

“It’s unacceptable,” West said. “It’s basically just a ploy to limit people’s accessibility to graduate school through their funds.”

West said she is not worried that the changes will deter herself or others from pursuing a career in these fields, but acknowledged the financial implications.

“I think people who have a passion for this kind of work won’t be deterred, but it’ll definitely put a strain on their abilities and their wellbeing in the future,” West said.

Kacy Connor, a sophomore nursing student, said she also feels disappointed about the change in classification.

“As a nursing student, I feel that calling nursing a nonprofessional career downplays our career,” said Connor.

Looking ahead, Connor said she hopes the classifications of nursing and other fields not currently listed as “professional” will change.

“Our career is more than a profession. It’s a passion and a calling for helping those when they need it most,” Connor said. “I hope in the future, for not only nursing students but other careers, we are deemed professional.”