The U.S. Department of Education is moving forward with major changes to student loan borrowing and repayment, including new caps on graduate student loans, igniting widespread concern among nursing professionals and educators. Vermont nurses have raised alarms about how proposed federal loan limits could adversely affect the nursing workforce in Pennsylvania, while public comments are being sought to protect access to federal loans for future audiologists. Additionally, significant scrutiny surrounds private student loan lenders, with investigations revealing potential profits from legislative changes. As these proposed changes advance, the future of nursing degrees and overall access to affordable education remains uncertain, prompting urgent calls from educators and professionals for inclusion in professional degree definitions.