A recent court ruling has resulted in a temporary change to the federal student loan program, allowing students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy, and other fields to take out higher loan amounts. The U.S. Education Department issued a revised rule following the judge’s order, which blocked part of a Trump administration rule that had defined certain fields as ‘professional programs’ with higher loan limits.

Background on the Rule Change

The original rule, which was part of a student loan overhaul passed in President Donald Trump’s tax bill, had capped federal loans for graduate programs at $100,000, while programs designated as professional degrees had a cap of $200,000. The Trump administration had argued that the rule was necessary to rein in student debt and lower tuition prices. However, groups representing nurse practitioners, therapists, and other professionals sued to stop the rule, arguing that it would require students to forgo their studies or take out riskier private loans.

The judge’s ruling has led to a temporary expansion of the list of professional degree programs, including master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of nurse anesthesia practice. However, the change also means that some programs, such as theology studies, will no longer be considered professional degrees and will face lower loan limits.

Implications of the Change

The revised rule is expected to remain in effect during the judge’s preliminary stay, but the Education Department has warned that it may change as litigation in the case proceeds. The department is confident that the Trump administration’s initial rule will ultimately be upheld in court. In the meantime, students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing and other affected fields will have access to higher loan limits, at least temporarily.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.