Court blocks student loan rule that excluded education graduate programs |
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Education exceeded its authority by narrowing the definition of "professional" graduate degrees, overturning a Trump administration rule that excluded education, nursing, and several other fields from higher federal student loan borrowing limits. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, found that the department improperly altered a longstanding regulatory definition while implementing new graduate borrowing caps established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Under the law, students pursuing professional degrees can borrow up to $50,000 annually, or $200,000 in total, compared with $20,500 annually, or $100,000 in total, for other graduate programs. The Education Department had argued that education degrees did not qualify because entry-level teaching jobs generally require only a bachelor's degree. Educators and professional organizations countered that many roles, including principals, school counselors, and special education administrators, require graduate degrees and warned the lower borrowing limits could worsen educator shortages by making advanced study less affordable. Howell vacated the department's revised definition and directed the agency to return to the previous regulatory framework while developing a new list of qualifying professional degrees. However, it remains uncertain whether education programs will ultimately be included under the revised definition. The National Education Association and other plaintiffs welcomed the decision, while the Education Department said it is reviewing the ruling.
