Block on ED’s Definition of “Professional Degree” Is the First, Not Final, Legal Victory
June 25th Court Ruling Provides Relief to PA Students this Fall, but AAPA’s Fight for Student Loans Continues
June 26, 2026
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s recent decision to grant preliminary relief blocking implementation of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) improperly restrictive regulatory definition of “professional degree” is a major win in our pending legal efforts to overturn that portion of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule.
However, it is not the end of the road, as our case is still under review.
While AAPA and PAEA forge ahead in the next chapter of this legal fight, pre-PAs and others in the PA community may have questions about what “preliminary relief” means for students this fall and the status of our case. While we don’t have all the answers at this juncture, we want to provide you with as much insight as we can.
AAPA will hold a webinar for members on June 30 from 8 to 9 p.m. ET to open discussion on this ruling, what happens next in the legal process, how the decision may affect current and prospective PA students – and what remains undetermined at this time.
To register and submit your questions in advance, please visit this page.
In the meantime, AAPA has gathered frequently asked questions on this topic.
Why is AAPA suing the Department of Education?
AAPA is challenging a portion of the final RISE rule as unlawful ahead of its July 1 implementation date.
The RISE rule places PA students into a lower “graduate” borrowing tier for federal student loans, limiting annual federal loans to $20,500. For the vast majority of PA programs, where average tuition is much higher than the proposed annual loan limit, not inclusive of mandatory fees and living expenses, the cap falls far short of the cost of education, creating an immediate and significant barrier to entering the profession.
Under a law (H.R. 1) Congress passed last year, PA students clearly qualify as professional degree students, a designation that carries higher loan limits that more accurately reflect the true cost of a PA education.
Our complaint alleges the RISE Final Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act in part by adding requirements to the definition of “professional degree” that Congress never authorized. It further argues that ED used those new requirements to exclude PA students from the higher federal loan limits Congress established for professional students.
What did the Court decide in its June 25th ruling?
The court issued a “stay,” which prevents ED from implementing its new definition of “professional degree” while the legal challenges brought by AAPA and others move forward.
The court found that ED likely exceeded its legal authority by rewriting the definition of a “professional degree” to include new requirements not found in the statute, including an extraneous and improper supervision test, among others. The court blocked implementation of those parts of the rule while the case moves forward.
Will the RISE Rule Still Take Effect on July 1?
Yes, BUT – because of our success in securing a legal stay against the parts of ED “professional degree” definition that were improper and did not have a basis in law, the remaining portion of the rule that will apply beginning July 1 is completely consistent with PAs being authorized to borrow at the “professional degree” level. Therefore, the portion of the rule excluding PAs from higher loan caps will not go into effect on July 1.
This ruling should provide critical, immediate relief after months of uncertainty for current and prospective PA students, especially those entering school this fall.
Under the “preliminary relief,” can I start PA school this summer or fall and qualify for up to $50,000 annually in federal borrowing?
ED is required to communicate directly with schools, and we encourage students who are in the process of enrolling into a program and securing financial aid to reach out directly to their school.
For more information, see this announcement on the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration’s website.
If I start school and can qualify for $50k per year under the standard in place while the judge’s order holds, can I be assured that level of federal borrowing will be available in future academic years until I complete my PA program?
AAPA believes this should be the case. However, details need to be confirmed by the ED. You may wish to discuss this with the relevant office at your university.
The future remains uncertain until final adjudication of the case and permanently correcting the Department’s overreach.
Does this decision restore GRAD Plus?
No. H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, eliminated the Grad PLUS loan program and puts in place new borrowing limits depending on program classification. This decision and our legal challenge do not change the establishment of loan caps, just who qualifies for the higher caps available to professional students.
How long will this ruling stay in place, and can it be overturned?
The judge ordered that the “stay” would be “in effect until further order of the Court” as the underlying case moves forward. However, there is a potential for the government to appeal this ruling or the final ruling on the complaint, and PA organizations are prepared for that to happen.
How can I continue to advocate for PA students to get the funding they need?
AAPA is working to overturn the inappropriate and unlawful provisions that are part of the RISE rule’s definition of “professional” degree on many fronts, including through ongoing advocacy efforts in Congress. We urge the PA community and supporters to visit AAPA’s Advocacy Action Center to take part in grassroots campaigns to drive Congressional support for legislation aimed at protecting PA access to higher student loan limits, including HR 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act, introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY).
You May Also Like:
Federal Court Delivers Major Victory for PA Students, Patients, and the Future Healthcare Workforce
What’s at Stake: Fighting for PA Access to Student Loans
AAPA Statement on Department of Education’s Proposed Rule on Federal Student Loans
