NBPHE Statement regarding OBBBA Changes to Federal Student Loan Rules

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the Department of Education (DOE) must implement caps on federal student loans. As a result, the DOE is proposing dramatic changes to the classification of “professional” degrees. NBPHE is deeply concerned about the exclusion of degrees that support critical health professions, especially professional public health degrees, the Master in Public Health (MPH) and Doctor in Public Health (DrPH) from the list of federally recognized professional degree programs under 34 CFR 668.2. ¹ As a result, beginning in July 2026 those seeking advanced training in public health will be denied the higher federal student loan limits available to a limited number of other professional programs. This change will have sweeping impacts across the public health profession, creating barriers for future public health professionals to master the critical public health skills needed in the field. Public health professionals use data-driven methods to guide prevention, policy, community health, emergency response, and research efforts that protect and promote the health of all people. Our commitment to communities is a promise that we uphold every day, and these short-sighted administrative rules do not change this. Public health is vital to every American, and the professional degrees that support public health professionals matter. 

NBPHE is monitoring this issue closely and coordinating with peer organizations. The Department of Education is expected to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in early 2026, which will open a 30-day public comment period. We will continue to update the NBPHE community about opportunities for public comment when they become available. Until then, please know that we see you, we value you, and we are together with you in this fight to preserve the professional status of public health degrees. In the meantime, our partner organization, ASPPH, has useful information on how to get involve here. 

References: 

1. Code of Federal Regulations. 34 CFR §668.2. Washington, DC: US Government Publishing Office; 2025.