Federal Judge Blocks Part of Student Loan Rule for Graduate Nursing Programs

A federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration rule that limited federal student loan amounts for graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy and several other fields. The U.S. Education Department issued a revised rule on Monday that follows the judge's order from last week, officials told The Associated Press.

The change allows students in those programs to borrow up to $200,000 instead of the $100,000 cap that had applied. Agency officials described the revision as temporary while they continue to challenge the ruling in court.

Eight groups representing nurse practitioners, therapists and speech-language pathologists sued over the original definition of professional programs. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the department's added criteria strayed from a definition created by Congress.

The department's original list included about a dozen programs such as medicine, law and theology. The revised list now covers 29 specific degree programs, including master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice and doctor of physical therapy.

Programs newly classified as professional will face the $200,000 federal loan cap. About 25 programs, including theology studies and applied psychology, moved to the non-professional category and the $100,000 limit. The master of divinity degree remains on the professional list.

The revised rule takes effect Wednesday. The original rule came from a student loan overhaul passed in President Donald Trump's tax bill last year. A separate lawsuit filed by Democratic-led states remains pending.