Rep. Sykes Leads Democratic Women’s Caucus in Urging Department of Education to Protect Women Graduate Students

Rep. Sykes Leads Democratic Women's Caucus in Urging Department of Education to Protect Women Graduate Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Democratic Women's Caucus Vice Chair U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), led members of the Caucus in a letter demanding Trump's Department of Education revise a proposed rule that would disproportionately harm funding for women graduate students and worsen workforce shortages in critical professions.

In a letter to Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the members warned that by narrowing the definition of 'professional students' to exclude registered nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, educators, and social workers, RIN 1840-AD98 (proposed rule) would prevent students in these professions from qualifying for greater loan assistance.

The members explained that the proposed rule worsens Trump and Republicans' attacks on women graduate students' ability to pay for school, which Trump and Republicans' launched in their so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

"Following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, proposed rule RIN 1840-AD98 would separate 'professional' and 'graduate' students under the law's new degree definitions to enforce the new loan caps. Notably, the rule would define students in women dominated fields, like nursing, education, and social work as 'graduate students' rather than 'professional students.' As a result, these 'graduate students' would have a cap of $20,500 per year with a lifetime maximum of $100,000 in student loans. In comparison, 'professional students' can borrow up to $50,000 a year with a $200,000 lifetime maximum."

The members warned that these loan caps will result in increased financial hardship for women pursuing these degrees.

"Women pursuing these degrees dedicate two or three years of their lives and thousands of dollars to achieving them, while managing significant time commitments outside the classroom. Unlike undergraduate programs, these degrees include intense field work by placing nursing students in clinicals and prospective educators in classrooms. The intensive demand for these programs leaves little time for alternative financial options. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's graduate student loan limit of $20,500 per year will prevent women from affording their multi-year programs that cost more than the new student loan limit. For example, the average cost of graduate nursing school each year is $30,000."

The members also warned that this rule would hurt women's financial stability and would make it harder for people across the country to access essential services like health care, counseling, and crisis intervention.

"Women constitute 89% of registered nurses, 73% of teachers, and 83% of social workers. Yet, each field faces significant shortages. The women in these jobs keep our families healthy, our communities safe, and teach our kids valuable lessons and skills. We must bolster the number of women entering these professions. Instead, the Department is going to worsen the workforce shortages in these women dominated fields and limit access to quality health care and education for our communities."

The members concluded the letter by urging the Department to withdraw or revise the proposed rule and ensure women-dominated professions aren't unfairly excluded from adequate loan access.

"The Democratic Women's Caucus is dedicated to building a future where all women and families can thrive. Women must have access to affordable education and have the freedom to pursue their chosen career. Similarly, essential workforces, like health care and education, must be bolstered to effectively serve our communities. We call on the Department of Education to modify proposed rule RIN 1840-AD98 and maintain women's access to student loans."

The members concluded by calling for sustained federal investment in child care to expand access, improve affordability, and support working families.

Read the full letter here.