12/02/2025
Starting July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will no longer classify the following graduate programs as “professional degrees” for federal student aid:
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & select MSN programs
• Master of Accounting (MAcc)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Other practice-oriented graduate fields
Key impacts:
• Unlimited Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available.
• Federal borrowing capped at $20,500/year (Direct Unsubsidized Loans).
• Income-driven repayment and PSLF eligibility unchanged at this time.
This update stems from the Department’s 2024–2025 regulations to better align aid with program outcomes and manage national student debt.
Students planning enrollment after July 2026 should review new limits and consider scholarships or accelerated options.
Official source: studentaid.gov & Federal Register (Oct 2025 final rule)