The term “professional degree” can be confusing, as it varies based on legal and educational contexts. According to a federal law from June, a professional degree signifies not only the completion of academic requirements necessary for beginning practice in a profession but also demonstrates a level of skill exceeding that required for a bachelor’s degree.
The Department of Education lists several degrees officially recognized as professional degrees. These include pharmacy (Pharm.D.), dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), veterinary medicine (D.V.M.), chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), law (L.L.B. or J.D.), medicine (M.D.), optometry (O.D.), osteopathic medicine (D.O.), podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.), and theology (M.Div. or M.H.L.). This list, while not exhaustive, reflects degrees that typically require professional licensure.
However, many graduate programs are excluded from this classification. Nursing, architecture, accounting, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, public health, and social work are among those not considered “professional degrees” under the current definition. This exclusion has prompted concern from national organizations advocating for broader recognition.
The American Council on Education and the American Nurses Association have urged the federal government to revise the definition. They argue that excluding fields such as nursing restricts crucial access to funding needed for graduate education. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, highlighted that limited funding access threatens efforts to address the healthcare workforce shortage and impacts patient care, especially in underserved communities.
The classification directly affects student loan eligibility and borrowing limits. Under proposed changes set to take effect from July 1, 2026, graduate students in recognized professional degree programs may borrow up to $50,000 per year with a total cap of $200,000. In contrast, students in excluded programs face an annual cap of $20,500 and a $100,000 lifetime limit.
These limits come as part of the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which eliminates the Grad PLUS loan program and restricts the Parent PLUS program. The resulting financial constraints could influence career choices and accessibility for students in excluded professions, impacting workforce development across several critical fields.
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