Court Victory Prompts Department of Education to Recognize PA Programs as Professional Degree Programs
July 1, 2026
By: AAPA Advocacy Staff
Following the federal court’s preliminary relief in AAPA and PAEA’s legal challenge, the U.S. Department of Education has issued updated implementation guidance recognizing PA programs as professional degree programs for purposes of administering the new federal student loan limits while the Court’s order remains in effect.
This is an important and encouraging development. It reflects the Department’s implementation of the Court’s order and means that, for now, PA programs are included among the professional degree programs eligible for the higher, $50,000-per-year federal borrowing limits established under the new law.
While this is welcome progress, questions remain.
While the Department has updated its list of qualifying professional degree programs, we are actively seeking additional clarification to ensure that all degree pathways associated with PA education are expressly included and that institutions have clear direction as they implement this guidance as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, we encourage current and prospective PA students to remain in close contact with their financial aid office regarding their individual borrowing eligibility.
The Department’s updated guidance is an important step forward, but it is not the final resolution of our case. The underlying litigation remains ongoing, and AAPA and PAEA are committed to seeing it through to a final decision that provides lasting certainty for current and future PA students. We will continue to provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.
If you are a current or incoming PA student beginning school this fall and are experiencing challenges accessing federal student aid or have questions about how this guidance applies to you, please contact AAPA’s advocacy team at [email protected]. Hearing directly from students will help us identify implementation issues and continue advocating on your behalf.
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