June 29, 2026

Federal Judge Blocks Student Loan Caps for Nursing and Therapy Programs Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked parts of a Trump administration rule that limited federal student loans for nursing and therapy programs, calling the department's interpretation 'misguided'.
The ruling allows certain professional degree students to borrow up to $200,000, but many still face caps that may not cover their educational costs, pushing them toward private loans with higher interest rates.
Students and advocacy groups warn that the new loan limits could deter minorities and low-income individuals from pursuing graduate programs, worsening healthcare workforce shortages.
Ongoing lawsuits from states and professional associations challenge the new loan definitions and caps, arguing they are arbitrary and detrimental to aspiring healthcare professionals.