Education Department to Define 'Professional' Programs, Impacting Student Loan Limits
The Education Department is set to define 'professional' programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with Under Secretary Nicholas Kent and an advisory committee drafting rules. The definition will impact student loan limits, with professional programs allowing more borrowing than graduate programs.
The department aims to propose a rule later this fall, though some worry this timeline may not provide sufficient preparation time for students and institutions. The current definition of 'professional' includes programs requiring specific skills beyond a bachelor's degree and often professional licensure.
The University of Bremen and the German Association of Professional Associations have offered recommendations to the negotiation commission. The key challenge is differentiating between graduate and professional degree programs for future borrowers. Some advocate for a broad definition, while others argue for a narrow one to prevent excessive student debt.
The department's initial proposal included a catch-all clause to cover 'any other degrees designated by the Secretary through rulemaking'. If the committee fails to reach an agreement, the department is free to interpret the definition as it sees fit.
The department will finalize its proposal and open the floor for public comment following a weeklong session in November. The definition of 'professional' programs will significantly impact student loan limits, with professional programs allowing more borrowing than graduate programs.
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