By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Department of Education is implementing changes to student loan reimbursement, with the “Repayment Assistance Plan” (RAP) replacing previous programs. A key factor in determining reimbursement is whether a degree is considered “professional,” leading to concern as several degrees, including nursing, are excluded from the list. This reclassification could significantly impact students pursuing these degrees, as they may receive less financial aid, potentially deterring them from entering high-demand professions and possibly exacerbating workforce shortages. Various stakeholders are criticizing the exclusion of these professions, arguing it contradicts the traditional understanding of “professional” and could have detrimental effects on public health and other critical sectors.
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Full list of Degrees Not Classed as ‘Professional’ by Trump Admin:
The world of higher education, and how we fund it, can be a complex landscape, and it seems the Trump administration sought to reshape it with a list of degrees that they, for lack of a better word, *reclassified*. This reclassification essentially changed how these degrees were viewed for things like student loan eligibility and, by extension, the perceived value of these professions. Let’s dive into the list of degrees that, under that administration, were no longer considered “professional,” and unpack what that might have actually meant.
First off, we have some crucial roles in healthcare: nursing, physician assistants, and physical therapists. Then there’s the world of allied health professionals such as audiologists. Moving beyond healthcare, the list also included architects, accountants, educators, and social workers. These are all jobs that require specific training and expertise, often involving hands-on experience and practical application of knowledge, rather than being focused on theoretical research. The implications of this reclassification were pretty significant, particularly in terms of student loans. Limiting access to funding could potentially discourage people from entering these fields, which, let’s face it, are crucial for a functioning society. Think about the impact on things like primary care, which was already facing challenges.
What’s really striking is the inclusion of professions like nursing and teaching. These roles are essential in society, they’re often the first line of defense in protecting children, as they are mandated reporters of child abuse, and demand a lot from those who step up and fill these roles. Seeing these professions categorized as “non-professional” understandably raised eyebrows. Also, it’s worth noting that the list reportedly extended to include fields like engineering, business masters programs, counseling or therapy, and speech pathology.
The immediate reaction was confusion, and maybe a little bit of outrage. For some, the fact that theology programs seemed to get a pass, while others with such critical skill sets did not, was particularly galling. Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, who were providing care for a huge portion of the population, were suddenly facing potential barriers when it came to securing student loans.
Then there were the voices of those working in the reclassified fields. Architects, for example, had to go through rigorous educational requirements. The sentiment was that this reclassification was insulting, a dismissal of their hard work and dedication. And the impact wasn’t just on the professionals themselves. It had the potential to affect the quality of care and services available to everyone.
It’s also worth noting the broader context here. This was seen by some as a move to make it harder for people to pursue these jobs, potentially resulting in fewer qualified professionals entering the workforce. There was a sense that the administration was devaluing jobs often filled by women, or those from minority backgrounds. Many saw this as part of a larger agenda aimed at restructuring society in a specific way, even if those involved may have voted against their own interests.
The consequences of this reclassification, if it had fully played out, could have been far-reaching. It’s hard to predict exactly how it would have changed the landscape. But one thing is clear: it was a significant shift in how certain professions were viewed and valued, with the potential to impact both individual career paths and the overall well-being of the community.