COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Nurses, social workers and other public health fields are slated to no longer be considered “professional degrees” in 2026, a change for student loan borrowing that’s sparking frustration.
Starting in 2026, the “big, beautiful bill” will change how much some students can borrow in student loans. As of July 2026, “graduate” students will be limited to $100,000, and “professional” students will be limited to $200,000. With the Department of Education planning to redefine which degrees are considered professional, advocates worry crucial programs will be left behind.
“This shift essentially raises the financial barrier to graduate education in fields that are critical to healthcare and social services,” said Mel Wilson, senior policy adviser for the National Association of Social Workers. “It risks creating a two-tier system where medicine and law remain accessible through federal support, while nursing and social work become financially prohibitive for many.”
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Jack Wallace, director of government and public affairs at student loan financing company Yrefy, said the move reflects student loan changes, not a determination of professionalism. Student loans are prevalent, particularly among Ohioans. According to the Education Data Initiative, jointly, Ohioans owe $62.6 billion in student loan debt, an average of $35,000 each…