The U.S. Department of Education has issued an updated list of professional degree programs in response to a recent federal court order that temporarily blocks portions of the Department’s revised definition of a “professional degree program.” The updated guidance takes effect for Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026.
The revised list restores a number of healthcare-related graduate programs that were previously excluded under the Department’s final RISE regulations. As a result, students enrolled in qualifying programs (including many advanced nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, speech-language pathology, audiology, athletic training, and other licensed health professions) may now qualify for the higher federal loan limits available to professional students while the litigation continues.
The Department emphasized that this change is being made solely to comply with the court’s order and that the underlying litigation remains ongoing. Institutions should continue monitoring future guidance, as the list of qualifying professional degree programs could change again depending on the outcome of the case.
The updated list of professional degree programs is available here: (GENERAL-26-42) Update to List of Professional Degree Programs Due to Court Order