Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, representing South Carolina’s 3rd District and a veteran of over thirty years in health care, has addressed concerns to the Department of Education regarding a proposed rule that could limit access to education for future nurse practitioners. In her letter to Secretary Linda McMahon, Biggs urged the department to reconsider its stance on how Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs are classified under federal student loan policies.
“In rural South Carolina, nurse practitioners are the first, and often only, line of care for families, seniors, and veterans,” said Congresswoman Biggs. “I’m confident President Trump and Secretary McMahon will stand with us to reverse the initial decision and ensure nurse practitioners aren’t left behind.”
The proposal in question would exclude APRN and NP programs from being recognized as professional degree programs for federal student loans. This change would lower borrowing limits for students pursuing these careers, making it more difficult for them to afford their education. According to Biggs, this diverges from previous policy focused on licensure-based professional education.
Biggs highlighted that graduates from APRN and NP programs play a crucial role in providing advanced care across various settings—including primary care, emergency services, and mental health—particularly in rural or underserved communities where they may be the only available providers. She pointed out that ensuring financial support for these educational paths is closely linked to maintaining patient access and improving community health outcomes.
The proposed rule also redefines what qualifies as a “professional degree” by creating an exclusive list of eligible programs rather than following prior definitions that included any program preparing students for licensed professional practice. This shift would leave out APRNs and others who have historically met these criteria.
Biggs referenced past efforts by the Trump administration—such as Executive Order 13890 and the Rural Health Transformation Program—that aimed to remove barriers for advanced practice providers. She argued that the current proposal marks a departure from those initiatives.
She concluded her letter by calling on the Department of Education to revise its interpretation so that APRN and NP programs are treated as professional degree programs under federal law. Biggs stated this adjustment would reflect congressional intent, aid workforce development in health care professions, and help maintain access to medical services in rural areas.
