Judge Blocks Narrowed Professional Degree Definition for Student Loan Caps

US District Judge Beryl Howell issued a temporary order Wednesday night blocking the Department of Education's narrowed definition of professional degrees for student-loan borrowing caps, Business Insider reported. The Department of Education had set a $100,000 lifetime cap for graduate students and a $200,000 cap for professional students.

It limited the definition of professional to 11 programs including law, dentistry, and medicine while excluding advanced nursing and other healthcare-related programs.

Howell's order pauses that narrowed definition. Higher borrowing caps will still take effect July 1 using preexisting definitions that include advanced healthcare programs. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the PA Education Association filed lawsuits arguing the definition was unlawful and excluded professions that would benefit from the higher caps.

Howell wrote that the plaintiffs showed they were likely to succeed on their claim that the rule's definition is contrary to law. An Education Department spokesperson stated the department is reviewing the order and will take appropriate action. The two associations said in a joint statement that the ruling is only the first step and that uncertainty created by the rule continues to threaten the future healthcare workforce amid growing provider shortages.

House Republicans recently advanced a plan in their budget legislation that would make advanced nursing programs eligible for higher borrowing caps.