The Department of Education (ED) has opened public comment on a new and deeply flawed proposed rule that would not recognize PA programs — and many other graduate healthcare programs — as being recognized as professional degrees. If finalized, future PA students would be limited to $20,500 in federal loans per academic year, versus $50,000 for professional degree programs.   All PAs, PA students, and pre-PAs are urged to contact Congress and ask them to tell the Education Department to honor the definition of professional students as contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1) and safeguard access to financial resources at the higher professional degree limit to make PA careers possible for so many future PAs. 

Excluding PAs could drastically reduce student enrollment and exacerbate workforce shortages. And labeling PAs as anything other than professionals ignores the rigor, cost, and purpose of PA education.

Congress must act to ensure that PA students retain access to financial resources at the higher professional degree limit and that the PA pipeline is protected.  All PAs, PA students, and pre-PAs are urged to contact your Members of Congress now and ask them to compel the Department of Education to adhere to the definition of professional student included in OBBBA.  

Thank you for your advocacy.