On July 10, the Department of Education (ED) provided additional guidance regarding Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes used to identify professional nursing programs. In a brief update to its June 29 announcement, the ED stated:

The Department is now providing additional clarity that the 6-digit CIP codes for the Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (MSN) (51.3801) and Nursing Practice (DNP) (51.3818) include any program within the same four-digit CIP code, as assigned by the institution or determined by the Secretary, provided it awards the same credential.

More information for students and borrowers about professional degree designation and its impact on federal programs is available at StudentAid.gov. This page features updates on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, definitions of key terms and concepts, commonly asked questions, and Borrower Scenarios for students and parents. AACN will continue to provide regular updates to members as the legal action to ensure that all post-baccalaureate nursing degrees are recognized as professional moves forward.