Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

Client Alert
February 20, 2026

In response to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) recently announced several federal student-loan related changes, including redefining what the Department considers to be a “professional degree”. Nursing is one of several degrees excluded from the list.

The Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for “Reimagining and Improving Student Education” on January 30, 2026. The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rules by March 2, 2026. 

The professional degrees recognized under OBBBA are as follows:

  • Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
  • Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
  • Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
  • Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
  • Law (L.L.B. or J.D.)
  • Medicine (M.D.)
  • Optometry (O.D.)
  • Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
  • Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.)
  • Theology (M.Div., or M.H.L.)

The Department also seeks to eliminate the Grad PLUS program that currently affords graduate students the ability to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. Students in professional degree programs will be limited to borrowing $50,000 per year with up to $200,000 over their lifetimes. Meanwhile, for students in graduate programs not deemed to be a “professional degree” program, the borrowing limits will be $20,500 per year with a $100,000 lifetime cap.

The Under Secretary of Education, Nicholas Kent, stated the proposed changes “will help drive a sea of change in higher education by holding universities accountable for outcomes and putting significant downward pressure on the cost of tuition.” Further, Under Secretary Kent believes “[t]his will benefit borrowers who will no longer be pushed into insurmountable debt to finance degrees that do not pay off.”

If you would like assistance drafting comments in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed changes, or you want to learn more about how the borrowing restrictions may impact you, please contact BMD Member Jeana Singleton at jmsingleton@bmdllc.com or Attorney Kate Crawford at khcrawford@bmdllc.com.

HealthcareEducationJeana SingletonKate Crawford
Client Alert

Understanding Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews: A Critical Guide for Immigrants Facing Removal

May 23, 2025In his latest article, Immigration Attorney and former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff offers a clear breakdown of Reasonable Fear vs. Credible Fear Interviews—key procedures for noncitizens seeking protection from persecution or torture. Citing Judge Brian Murphy’s recent ruling on unlawful deportations to South Sudan, Ratliff connects these critical legal standards to current judicial developments. Read the full article at www.removal-defense.com.Client Alert

House Republicans Propose Cuts to Medicaid to Finance Savings

May 12, 2025House Republicans have introduced legislative language that proposes substantial cuts to the Medicaid entitlement program, aiming to achieve significant budget savings through policy changes. The proposed measures include stricter eligibility verification, work requirements for certain adults, and federal funding cuts to states providing coverage to undocumented residents. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the proposed healthcare provisions would reduce spending by $715 billion and could result in 8.6 million fewer people having health insurance by 2034.Client Alert

Protecting Your Image in the Age of AI-Generated “Deepfakes”

April 8, 2025The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how we create and consume digital content, but it also poses significant risks. Among the most troubling developments in AI is the proliferation of AI-generated fraudulent content, often called “deepfakes”.Client Alert

Tariffs, Market Downturn, and Employment Considerations for Employers

April 7, 2025As tariffs continue to impact various industries, employers must prepare for the ripple effects these economic pressures can have on workforce management. The economic impact can dramatically impact companies’ bottom lines, and companies look to improve finances and save for the future and many will choose to reduce employee count/wages.Client Alert

Corporate Transparency Act Overhauled: U.S. Entities No Longer Required to Report

March 24, 2025The Department of Treasury has issued an interim final rule significantly altering the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). As of March 21, 2025, all U.S.-created entities and their beneficial owners are exempt from reporting requirements. Only non-U.S. entities registered to do business in the U.S. must still report, but they are not required to disclose U.S. citizen owners. Business owners should stay informed on these changes and consult legal counsel for compliance guidance.
Older posts
Newer posts