Our analysis of this bill is that it will make access to student loans more difficult for students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees, potentially making higher education less affordable. These changes threaten to increase financial barriers for those entering essential professions like occupational therapy. The Senate is expected to make changes before the bill is finalized and sent to the president to be signed into law. 

Take action today! Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to protect critical programs that sustain and strengthen the occupational therapy workforce.

Aspiring occupational therapy professionals depend on Pell Grants and Grad Plus loans to help cover tuition costs and on loan repayment programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) to make their education financially feasible. At a time when the profession is already experiencing workforce shortages, cuts to these programs would have devastating consequences—limiting access to education, discouraging new professionals from entering the field, and exacerbating workforce gaps in critical healthcare settings.

Without these essential programs, the rising cost of education could deter talented individuals from pursuing careers in occupational therapy, ultimately reducing access to care for those who need it most.

Act now—contact your Members of Congress and urge them to support Pell Grants, Grad Plus Loans, IDR, and PSLF to ensure a strong, sustainable occupational therapy workforce!