Federal Government Will no Longer Recognize Architects as ‘Professionals’

The U.S. government will no longer recognize architecture, education, nursing, and other fields as “professional,” triggering a significant loss of available student loans for people working on those degrees.

According to an article by Regina Sienra in My Modern Met, new terms in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ will cap the amount non-professional graduate students can borrow up to $100,000, while professional students can borrow up to $200,000. “Before this, graduate students could borrow loans up to the cost of their degree.”

The changes are strongly opposed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which says the changes will reduce the number of people who can afford to pursue professional degrees and “harm American leadership in the field.” 

As Sienra explains, “Students in the medical and care fields will also be affected, as nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, and social work will now be regarded as non-professional degrees as well.” 

The new policy has not been finalized and could still change before it goes into effect. If approved as proposed, it would affect loan borrowers starting on January 1, 2026.