Eliminate loan tiers – Treat educators like the professionals they are

WASHINGTON - The implementation of H.R. 1 (also referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act") imposes strict new caps on student loans for graduate students. Previously, educators could borrow up to the full cost of their degrees. Educators pursue graduate degrees to deepen their practice, expand their expertise, and strengthen their impact on students. These programs are essential for professional growth, career advancement, and-often-for higher compensation and continued career progression.

Under H.R. 1, a negotiated rulemaking committee within the Department of Education must determine how to implement these new caps. The law provides higher borrowing limits for historically designated "professional degrees," such as law and medicine, but not for fields like education, nursing, or social work.

The following can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:

"Public school educators across this country are dedicated professionals who sacrifice daily and inspire students to work hard, follow the rules, and reach their full potential. Their commitment runs deep-and to better support their students, they must be supported themselves.

"But now, the administration wants to change the rules to make it harder for educators to build their skills and become the best they can be for their students. By putting advanced degrees financially out of reach, they are disrespecting a vital profession that millions of students and families rely on. These new caps give the impression that education degrees are less valuable and less professional than other degrees-undermining the very expertise our schools depend on."

"Improving students' learning conditions begins with empowering educators to strengthen their own knowledge and abilities. When we make opportunities like advanced degrees more accessible, we encourage more professionals to enter-and stay in-the field, ensuring that students benefit from experienced educators who inspire them to succeed.

"At a time of nationwide educator shortages, we should be removing barriers to the profession, not creating new ones. We are also deeply concerned that educators, nurses, social workers, and others will be forced to rely on high-interest private loans and accumulate even deeper debt without access to public service loan forgiveness.

"We will not stay silent in the face of this disrespect. We must demand that Congress eliminate these arbitrary loan tiers and show educators the respect their profession-and their sacrifices-deserve."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.