Federal Court Blocks Trump Rule Limiting Graduate Student Loans for Nursing and Healthcare Programs

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a preliminary injunction blocking a Trump administration Education Department rule that would have sharply limited federal student loan access for graduate students in nursing and healthcare fields. The rule, set to take effect July 1, would have narrowed the definition of 'professional degree' to exclude advanced nursing programs from higher federal borrowing limits. Eight trade organizations sued, arguing the restrictions would dangerously shrink the nursing and physician assistant workforce. Judge Howell ruled the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on claims that the government's definition was 'contrary to law.' The ruling represents a significant legal setback to Trump's broader student loan repayment overhaul.

"The plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims that the government's definition of 'professional degree' is contrary to law" — U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell's preliminary injunction ruling