As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), new federal student loan limits were introduced based on program classification: $20,500 annually and $100,000 aggregate for "graduate programs", and $50,000 annually and $200,000 aggregate for "professional" programs. On July 4, the OBBBA was signed into law and on July 25, the Department of Education announced its intention to form new negotiated rulemaking committees. AACN recognized the immediate need to weigh in and engage with our members to address the impact of these changes. In response, AACN:

• Submitted comments advocating for the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees within the “professional” category, citing licensure requirements, federal definitions, CIP code alignment, and workforce needs.
• As the convener of the 64-member Nursing Community Coalition, AACN signed onto coalition comments to the Department making the same request.
• Coordinated with practice and community partners to submit comments, and gain a better understanding of the impact of these changes on member schools.
• Worked directly with the American Council on Education (ACE) to be sure nursing was included in comments ACE sent to the Department.
• Submitted multiple nominees as potential negotiators on the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee, though none were selected.

The first RISE session took place September 29-October 3. During discussions, negotiators raised concerns about the outdated definition of “professional” degrees. While the Department showed some openness to technical adjustments in the definition, no consensus was reached, and broader changes were deferred until the second session to be held November 3-7. AACN continues to work with other coalition partners, including signing onto a Federation of Associations of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) and engaging with stakeholders to advocate for expanded recognition of nursing programs including nursing as a professional degree program. If you have additional information or a connection to a member of the RISE negotiating committee team, please contact AACN's Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Josh Adams, at jadams@aacnnursing.org.

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