Starting July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will revise the definition of “professional degree” for federal student loan purposes. Degrees in nursing, physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, social work, education, architecture and accounting will be reclassified as nonprofessional.
Leaders at Morgan State University’s School of Social Work warn the change could limit access to graduate education in fields already facing staffing shortages. The policy may reduce borrowing options for students who rely on federal loans to complete licensure requirements.
The school enrolls about 600 students across four programs. Administrators estimate roughly half of them—primarily those pursuing graduate degrees—will be affected. Many are nontraditional students, including older adults, full-time workers, and caregivers, who depend on federal loans to cover tuition and living expenses…