Impact of Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" on Nursing and Teaching Professions

President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" is facing criticism for its potential negative impact on the national nursing and teacher shortage. The bill aims to redefine what constitutes a "professional degree," excluding graduate programs in education and nursing from this designation. This exclusion limits federal student loans for these fields to $20,500 annually, significantly less than the $50,000 available for degrees classified as professional. The average cost of a master's degree in these fields exceeds $62,000 over two years, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility for prospective students.

The Hill

The United States is experiencing a significant shortage of teachers and nurses. Approximately 1 in 8 teaching positions remain unfilled or are occupied by teachers lacking full certification. Interest in teaching among high school and college students has declined to historic lows, with many teachers leaving the profession for reasons other than retirement. In healthcare, North Carolina projects a nursing shortage of 13% by 2035, with some states anticipating shortages as high as 26%. The proposed changes in federal loan provisions could exacerbate these shortages by discouraging new entrants into these essential professions.

The Hill

Critics argue that the bill's provisions will worsen the existing crises in education and healthcare. Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) emphasizes that the financial barriers imposed by the bill will deter individuals from pursuing careers in teaching and nursing. She points out that the Department of Education's claims about lowering college tuition lack supporting evidence. Furthermore, she advocates for reinstating the SAVE Plan, which aids millions in repaying student loans, and calls for an end to punitive measures against educators and healthcare professionals.

The Hill

In addition to the financial challenges posed by the bill, a new federal visa policy has further strained the teaching workforce. A rural middle school in Tucson, Arizona, is preparing to lose approximately half of its teaching staff due to increased visa processing fees for international educators, which have risen to $100,000. School officials express concern about the difficulty of replacing these teachers, particularly in a rural setting where recruitment is already challenging. This situation highlights the compounded difficulties facing educational institutions amid changing federal policies.

WKRC - Cincinnati

The Trump administration has not provided a comprehensive response to the criticisms surrounding the "One Big Beautiful Bill." However, the Department of Education maintains that the bill's provisions are intended to make college more affordable. Critics, including Rep. Adams, argue that the administration's approach is misguided and detrimental to the very professionals needed to support students and patients.

The Hill

The proposal will undergo a public comment period before a final rule is issued, allowing citizens to voice their opinions on the changes. Advocates for education and healthcare are encouraged to participate in this process to highlight the potential consequences of the bill on these critical sectors.

The Hill

• “If students can’t pay for their education, how can we expect them to enter the professional workforce?” — Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.)

The Hill

• “It is going to be difficult to find new teachers to come to our school because we are a rural district,” — JoLynn Begay-Lewis, Principal

WKRC - Cincinnati

• “If teachers leave, students lose the consistency, the trust, and the relationship that takes years to build,” — Irene Gilua, Teacher

WKRC - Cincinnati