You may have seen headlines on the news or social media sites about the U.S. Department of Education changing what is considered a professional degree. What does this actually mean? And does it affect students at UNI? 

With much of the conversation centered around financial aid and loan eligibility, UNI Director of Financial Aid Tim Bakula helped us break down what’s really going on:

What is considered a “professional degree”?

A professional degree, according to the Department of Education, is an internal definition used to identify programs that qualify for higher loan limits. It is not a measure of value or importance, and has no bearing on whether a program is “professional” in nature. All UNI academic programs - both undergraduate and graduate - will continue to offer the same excellent outcomes for our students pursuing their degrees.

What exactly is the U.S. Department of Education proposing?

A large federal bill recently updated several parts of the student loan system. One change receiving the most attention involves “professional degree” designations for loan limit purposes. 

The “professional degree” terminology has existed since the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1965, but updated rules would determine how much loan eligibility is available to students.  

Most importantly, for UNI, all graduate degrees will continue to have the same annual federal loan limits as they do now, $20,500 per year. Undergraduate students would also continue to have the same annual federal loan limits available as in the past.  

What degrees are considered “professional degrees”? 

Under the proposed updated definition, professional degrees are generally programs that are at the doctoral level and require at least six years of study, including at least two years of post-baccalaureate level coursework. Examples include:

• Chiropractic (DC or DCM)
• Clinical Psychology (PsyD or PhD)
• Dentistry (DDS or DMD)
• Law (LLB or JD)
• Medicine (MD)
• Optometry (OD)
• Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Podiatry (DPM, DP, or PodD)
• Theology (MDiv or MHL)
• Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

UNI does not offer degrees that meet the criteria.  

Is this final?

These changes are still working through a public comment period. If approved, they would take effect July 1, 2026.  

How would these changes impact financial aid and student loans?

For UNI students, there would be no change as to how much federal aid graduate students can borrow each year. All graduate degrees will continue to have the same annual federal loan limits ($20,500 per year) and the total aggregate amount a graduate student can borrow is $100,000.  This aggregate amount could be in addition to any undergraduate borrowing that has been done. Graduate students who may need additional educational loans, would be able to apply for private educational loans.  

What should students do if they see confusing information online?

We recommend relying on trusted, credible sources for updates. If you have questions about how any policy might apply to your specific situation, the Financial Aid Office is here to help. Visit us in 105 Gilchrist Hall, send an email to fin-aid@uni.edu or give us a call at 319-273-2700.