Nursing is a respected and rigorous field that plays a vital role in healthcare. Recent changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) have sparked questions about whether nursing is still considered a “professional degree.” Gain more insight on this topic and explore what exactly the term professional degree means, why nursing is being discussed differently in federal policy conversations and, most importantly, what these developments can mean for you as a current or prospective nursing student.

In higher education, the term “professional degree” typically refers to an advanced program designed to prepare students for specific licensed professions that require extensive postgraduate study.^{(See disclaimer 1)} These degrees are often associated with fields that have clear professional pathways, regulatory requirements and higher expected earnings. Under the Department of Education’s proposed framework, certain advanced degrees — such as medicine, dentistry or law — may be labeled “professional” programs, as they fit this criterion and are often associated with significantly higher federal borrowing, including increased student loans for professional degrees.

Recent statements from the ED have prompted discussion around how nursing programs are categorized. The ED has indicated that nursing, including advanced practice nursing, does not fall under this professional category. Instead, nursing would remain classified within the traditional graduate-level structure and maintain standard loan limits. This clarification means GCU’s nursing programs already align with how the ED intends to regulate borrowing.

Importantly, GCU has never awarded professional-level federal aid amounts for any of our nursing programs, and our tuition model is intentionally designed to remain well within traditional graduate lending limits. That means our approach already fits the direction the ED proposes.

This reclassification does not diminish the credibility, quality or professional standing of nursing degrees. Rather, it reflects how federal financial aid frameworks are structured — not how nursing functions as a profession.

Many students’ biggest concern is whether these proposed changes will affect financial aid or borrowing options. At this time, no immediate changes are in effect.

The Department of Education has stated that no final guidance will be issued until early 2026, with most changes not expected to take effect until July 2026.^{(See disclaimer 2)} The following statements are based on what has been shared publicly so far:

• Federal Direct Loans for graduate students (up to $20,500 per year) remain unchanged at this time.^{(See disclaimer 2)}
• Proposed future limits still exceed what GCU nursing students typically borrow.^{(See disclaimer 2)}
• Students may continue to take out private or alternative loans if they choose.^{(See disclaimer 2)}
• A legacy provision will allow current borrowers to continue under current rules until their program is completed, or for up to three years after the new regulations take effect.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Undergraduate nursing programs are not affected by these discussions, and graduate programs, such as the MSN or DNP, continue to operate within existing federal loan structures.

As a current or future nursing student at GCU, you are well-positioned, regardless of how federal policy evolves. While federal discussions continue around future student loan limits, GCU remains in a uniquely strong and stable position, especially for students pursuing nursing. The majority of our nursing students are in bachelor’s-level programs, which are not affected by any of the ED’s proposed reclassifications.

Because GCU’s programs are deliberately priced to remain affordable — and because our nursing students do not depend on high-cost federal borrowing — we do not anticipate that these proposed federal loan-limit changes will affect GCU nursing students. Students who need additional funding options remain welcome to explore scholarships, employer tuition benefits and private loan alternatives as needed.

While discussions at the federal level continue, you can rest assured knowing that changes will not occur immediately and that GCU is actively monitoring developments. Once regulations are finalized, GCU will provide a comprehensive update outlining any changes and their implications for students. Until then, prospective students and families can feel confident that GCU’s tuition structure and long-standing commitment to financial stewardship keep our nursing programs accessible, sustainable and well-positioned — regardless of federal adjustments.

Earning your nursing degree at any level is an important step toward making a meaningful impact in healthcare. GCU offers a wide range of nursing programs, at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, that are designed to support students at every stage of their academic and professional journeys. Find the program that fits your goals and take the next step toward your future in nursing.