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Latest Developments on Proposed Federal Loan Regulations

We are sharing an update on the newly proposed federal student loan regulations and how they impact our professions. To implement the student loan provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has proposed a definition of “professional degree” programs that would exclude audiology and speech-language pathology.

Summary

  • This proposal would limit students in our fields to a $100,000 lifetime federal loan cap, rather than the $200,000 cap allowed for “professional degree” programs.
  • ASHA is actively advocating for inclusion through coalition letters, congressional outreach, meetings with ED, and member mobilization.
  • ED will release the proposed rule in January, followed by a 30-day public comment period.
  • New loan limits take effect July 1, 2026, with current students grandfathered under existing rules.

ASHA will continue pushing for our professions to be recognized and will share opportunities for member comments once the proposal is published.

What can we do?
  • Contact your legislators and let them know why this is important to you, your professions and your clients.
  • Tell others to do the same - one does not need to be an SLP to advocate on this issue!