Professional Degree Update

Following the June district court decision to preliminarily halt implementation of the Department of Education’s definition of “professional degrees” that would have excluded PA and other health professions students, PAEA has been working in close collaboration with AAPA on next steps in the case as well as simultaneous legislative advocacy efforts. The goal of this work is to secure permanent recognition of PA students as professional students for federal loan purposes, protect their access to the corresponding loan limits, and support a strong future PA workforce. 

The Legal Challenge 

Following the court’s June order, the Department of Education issued guidance permitting institutions to award PA students loans at the professional student limits while the order remains in effect. This guidance created an important opportunity for students but is temporary relief while the court considers the underlying legal claims, and institutions must still decide how to implement the guidance in their financial aid awards. 

PAEA is continuing to pursue a durable resolution through the case in concert with our AAPA partners. The case’s schedule calls for briefing to conclude on December 4, 2026, after which point the court will determine its next steps.PAEA is working with AAPA and legal counsel throughout this phase, including to bring the experiences of PA programs and students to bear on the case, and will continue to communicate meaningful developments as the proceedings move forward. 

Institutional Implementation 

While the Department’s guidance permits awards at the professional student limits, it does not itself issue or revise an individual student’s award. Financial aid offices are responsible for applying the guidance and determining eligibility and award amounts under federal requirements. That distinction matters for faculty speaking with students: a student’s next step for a question about their own borrowing is to contact their institution’s financial aid office. Programs can also coordinate with those offices to ensure students receive consistent information about the institution’s current approach. 

PAEA has heard from programs navigating these conversations and continues to engage with institutional colleagues about how the guidance is being implemented. The Association has published resources including an FAQ, talking points, and webinar intended to help faculty explain the broader issue and direct students to the right source for individual financial aid answers.  

Legislative Advocacy 

While the legal effort is ongoing, Congress can address PA students’ loan access in federal law, regardless of the litigation’s timetable. PAEA continues to support the Professional Student Degree Act, which would explicitly name PA students, among other disciplines, as professional students in statute. Members and students can continue to make their voices heard through PAEA’s Grassroots Action Network campaign. The perspectives of PA educators and students are particularly valuable in explaining how loan policy affects students, programs, and the future workforce. 

PAEA’s Government Relations team is committed to continuing to serve as a resource to all programs, faculty, and students as the Association’s work on the professional degree issue moves forward. Individuals with questions are invited to contact Tyler Smith at tsmith@PAEAonline.org.