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Unions Sue Over $100,000 $200,000 Degree Rule Limits

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Labor unions filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging administration’s rule that narrows the “professional degree” definition.
AFSCME, the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO say rule caps borrowing at $100,000 for graduate students and $200,000 for professional-degree programs.
Critics warn the Education Department’s list excludes master’s programs in social work, education and public health, which could push students to private loans that Public Service Loan Forgiveness cannot cancel.

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Story summary

Labor unions filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging administration’s rule that narrows the “professional degree” definition.
AFSCME, the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO say rule caps borrowing at $100,000 for graduate students and $200,000 for professional-degree programs.
Critics warn the Education Department’s list excludes master’s programs in social work, education and public health, which could push students to private loans that Public Service Loan Forgiveness cannot cancel.