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New Loan Guidelines Threaten Future of Nursing Education

11/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education proposed new student loan guidelines that could exclude nursing from the "professional degrees" category, limiting federal loans for graduate nursing students to $20,500 while other professional degrees could receive up to $50,000.
Caroline Kokolus, a senior at Drexel University, said the change could hinder her plans to become a nurse practitioner.
Dr. Maurine Gonzalez warned that the guidelines might reduce the number of nursing faculty and impact future nurse training.
Wayne Reich, CEO of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, fears these rules could worsen nurse shortages, particularly in rural areas.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education proposed new student loan guidelines that could exclude nursing from the "professional degrees" category, limiting federal loans for graduate nursing students to $20,500 while other professional degrees could receive up to $50,000.
Caroline Kokolus, a senior at Drexel University, said the change could hinder her plans to become a nurse practitioner.
Dr. Maurine Gonzalez warned that the guidelines might reduce the number of nursing faculty and impact future nurse training.
Wayne Reich, CEO of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, fears these rules could worsen nurse shortages, particularly in rural areas.