Tracker
Which programs count as professional degrees for federal loan limits. Status as of October 30, 2026.
Professional programs can borrow up to $50,000 a year and $200,000 in total in federal Direct Unsubsidized loans. Graduate programs are limited to $20,500 a year and $100,000 in total. Contested programs are on the interim list but their classification is being challenged in court.
18 programs shown
| Program | Degree | CIP code | Status | Annual limit | Aggregate limit | Last changed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine MD / DO Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | 51.1201 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Dentistry DDS / DMD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Dental Surgery / Dental Medicine | 51.0401 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Pharmacy PharmD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Pharmacy | 51.2001 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Veterinary Medicine DVM Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 51.2401 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Law JD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Juris Doctor | 22.0101 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Optometry OD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Optometry | 51.1701 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Physician Assistant PA Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Master of Physician Assistant Studies | 51.0912 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Physical Therapy DPT Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Physical Therapy | 51.2308 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Occupational Therapy OTD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor / Master of Occupational Therapy | 51.2306 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Audiology AuD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Audiology | 51.0202 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Speech-Language Pathology SLP Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Master of Science, Speech-Language Pathology | 51.0203 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Clinical Psychology PsyD Listed as a professional degree on FSA's interim list. | Doctor of Psychology | 42.2801 verify | Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Nurse Practitioner NP / MSN Listed on FSA's interim professional degree list, but the classification of nursing programs is being litigated. Graduate limits ($20,500 / $100,000) would apply if the classification changes. Confirm with your financial aid office. | Master of Science in Nursing | 51.3805 verify | Contested | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP Listed on FSA's interim professional degree list, but the classification of nursing programs is being litigated. Graduate limits ($20,500 / $100,000) would apply if the classification changes. Confirm with your financial aid office. | Doctor of Nursing Practice | 51.3818 verify | Contested | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Nurse Anesthesia CRNA Listed on FSA's interim professional degree list, but the classification of nursing programs is being litigated. Graduate limits ($20,500 / $100,000) would apply if the classification changes. Confirm with your financial aid office. | Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice | 51.3804 verify | Contested | $50,000 | $200,000 | FSA | |
| Social Work MSW Not on the professional degree list; graduate limits apply. | Master of Social Work | 44.0701 verify | Graduate | $20,500 | $100,000 | FSA | |
| Public Health MPH Not on the professional degree list; graduate limits apply. | Master of Public Health | 51.2201 verify | Graduate | $20,500 | $100,000 | FSA | |
| Business MBA Not on the professional degree list; graduate limits apply. | Master of Business Administration | 52.0201 verify | Graduate | $20,500 | $100,000 | FSA |
No programs match your filter.
CIP codes are our mapping of each program to the federal Classification of Instructional Programs; verify the code your school reports. Limits are for federal Direct Unsubsidized loans.
This tracker lists every program on FSA’s interim professional degree list and the programs left off it. Professional programs can borrow up to $50,000 a year in federal loans. Graduate programs can borrow up to $20,500. The list is temporary and has changed several times since June 2026 as courts ruled on the definition.
We update this page within 48 hours of each new FSA announcement or court order. Each change is logged with its date and source.
A multistate challenge to the professional degree definition. Pending; no ruling yet.
Latest update to the list first published in GENERAL-26-42. Nursing programs remain listed.
Revised list published as an update to GENERAL-26-42.
The court granted a preliminary injunction. Check the order for the programs and parties it covers.
First update to GENERAL-26-42.
Electronic Announcement listing the programs schools may treat as professional degrees for loan limits.
The court stayed the Department's definition of a professional degree.
We check FSA announcements and court dockets and send one short email when something changes.