In November, nurses around the country felt a gut-punch when the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) proposed new federal loan rules that would remove nursing from “professional degree” loan programs. Master of Science, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, midwifery and other graduate degree programs would not be in the $200,000 cap “professional” category and would instead be capped at the generic graduate school level of $100,000. This change would put advanced degrees for nurses further out of financial reach.
Before the DOE can make this change, they need to hear from the public. The comment period just opened and continues until March 2. NYSNA has submitted comment as an organization, but you can also submit a comment as an individual. Please use the sample letter below to make your submission. Please feel free to personalize your comment.
You must submit comments online at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001.
Let us know when you submit your comment by clicking “I submitted” below and including any personal details that you shared in your comment. Learn more about the proposed regulation.
Sample Letter
The DOE’s “Reimagining and Improving Student Education” proposal will limit access to education and make advanced practice nursing education less affordable at a time when we need more nurses to deliver safe patient care in New York State and throughout the country. Advanced practice nurses provide cost-effective, essential primary care and improve public health.
Limiting student loans and loan forgiveness programs will disincentivize nurses from entering the profession and lead to fewer highly trained nurses.
This proposal is an insult to the nurses who work hard day and night caring for patients with professionalism and skill and to those nurses seeking to advance their education. I oppose this proposed rule, which will cause more economic hardship for nurses and damage the future of the nursing workforce and our public health.
