KAPA - One Big Beautiful Bill Act Student Loan Impacts

On November 6, the Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education  (RISE) rulemaking committee proposed new limits on federal student loan amounts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), set to affect first-time graduate and professional borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. While the law provides higher borrowing limits for professional students ($50,000 annually / $200,000 total), the Department’s draft regulations exclude PA students along with other healthcare professions (advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists) from being classified as “professional,” despite meeting the criteria outlined in the statute.

 

In response, public statements have been issued by both the AAPA and Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).

 

The PAEA also launched a Grassroots Action Network Campaign urging Congress to address and correct this issue.

 

AAPA and PAEA encourage all PAs to stay informed about this recent action, participate in the advocacy campaign, and contact their members of Congress.

 

If you need assistance in identifying your member of Congress you can use this link.