The Department of Education (ED) is moving forward with new rules that will fundamentally change how graduate students finance their education.

Under the rule ED will propose, master’s and doctoral occupational therapy programs are not classified as professional programs, but instead as graduate programs. “Graduate programs” will have a $20,500 annual limit, with a $100,000 total cap, while programs defined as “Professional programs” will have a $50,000 annual limit, and $200,000 total cap. This means that future OT students would be subject to a significantly lower loan limits. This change will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to new borrowers. Existing borrowers will not be impacted. Many other health professions, including physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology, advanced practice nursing, and physician associates will also be classified as graduate programs.

This isn’t what Congress intended, and we need you to contact your Members of Congress to urge them to do all they can to make sure the Department of Education follows their intent, and includes a broad range of health professions on that list.  

The elimination of the Grad PLUS program, combined with restrictive borrowing caps, will force many students to seek private loans, often at higher interest rates and with credit requirements that create barriers to entry. This policy risks reducing access to OT education and worsening workforce shortages at a time of growing demand for occupational therapy services.

It’s vital for your Members of Congress to hear from you today about the importance of getting these regulations right.

Contact your Members of Congress today!

Find out more information about this issue on ATOA's website.