Under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” nursing has been removed from the definition of a “professional” degree, and the Grad PLUS loan program is slated for elimination. This means that students pursuing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees will face new borrowing limits. These changes have caused significant concern within the nursing community. Several organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, have expressed their opposition and worry about the impact on the existing nursing shortage. Despite this outrage, the Department of Education has refuted claims of the changes by calling the reporting “fake news”.
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Americans With Four-Year Degrees Now Comprise a Record 25% of Unemployed Workers is a stark statistic that really makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? It’s a headline that grabs your attention, immediately raising questions about the current state of the job market and the value of higher education. So, let’s unpack this and try to make some sense of it all.
The initial gut reaction is a mix of concern and bewilderment. If a quarter of unemployed workers hold a bachelor’s degree, what’s going on? It’s easy to assume that a four-year degree is the golden ticket to a stable career, but this data throws a wrench in that expectation.… Continue reading
The Department of Education, under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has excluded nursing from the definition of a “professional degree,” which could limit student nurses’ access to crucial funding. This decision, eliminating Grad PLUS loans and capping borrowing amounts for graduate students, has raised alarm among nursing organizations, who claim it will harm patient care. Despite concerns over the impact on an already strained nursing workforce, the Education Department dismissed criticisms, citing a consistent definition of professional degrees. This exclusion also affects other fields, while programs like theology are still deemed “professional,” raising questions about the criteria.
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The Trump administration is considering selling portions of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio to private investors, a move that could reshape the student loan landscape. Senior officials have reportedly been discussing the offloading of high-performing loan segments to private entities, potentially impacting approximately 45 million borrowers. This plan aligns with the administration’s goal of reducing federal involvement in student loans, which could jeopardize existing consumer protections and government cancellation powers. Experts raise concerns about the shift of repayment responsibilities to private companies, along with the potential for increased costs and reduced borrower benefits, ultimately making it harder to access college.
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Trump: McMahon will begin the process of dismantling the Education Department after a Supreme Court win, a move that’s already sparking concern.
The reality of defunding education is already evident. In one instance, a state education department saw its annual funding for underserved populations, workforce development, and new immigrants drop from $729 million to zero in a single year. This isn’t an isolated incident; it reflects a larger trend impacting education at all levels across the country. The sentiment is that some conservatives, realizing they couldn’t persuade enough people to embrace their views and impose them through schools, have opted to destroy the system instead.… Continue reading
The Department of Education has announced a halt to the garnishment of Social Security benefits for borrowers in default on federal student loans, a policy shift following the recent resumption of loan collections. This action affects an estimated 452,000 individuals aged 62 and older with defaulted loans. While the administration cites a commitment to protecting Social Security recipients, advocates argue that this pause is insufficient to address the broader issue of the 5.3 million borrowers in default and the significant increase in student loan debt among older Americans. The growth in student loan debt among older borrowers, now totaling an estimated $125 billion, underscores the need for more comprehensive solutions.
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The Trump administration has restarted the collection of defaulted federal student loans after a five-year pause, with wage garnishment potentially beginning this summer. Notices will be sent to 5.3 million borrowers, marking a significant shift from the Biden administration’s pandemic relief measures. The government’s aggressive collection tactics, including the potential garnishment of Social Security benefits, raise concerns about the financial hardship this may impose on borrowers, particularly retirees. Experts note that the shortened notice period and expedited collection timeline deviate from historical practices.
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The Department of Education will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5th, impacting roughly 5.3 million borrowers. This includes wage garnishment after a 30-day notice and offsets from government payments. The move ends pandemic-era leniency and has drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating financial hardship for many borrowers. While loan rehabilitation offers a path to avoid wage garnishment, the department emphasizes responsible repayment to improve both individual and national economic health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood