NASW Responds to the Department of Education RISE Committee NPRM

NASW Responds to the Department of Education RISE Committee NPRM

Mar 06, 2026

NASW submitted comments to the Department of Education in response to the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. NASW argued that social work should be considered a professional degree for the purposes of student loan limits and that the Tiered Standard repayment plan should be eligible for PSLF.

In the comments, NASW linked to a petition signed by nearly 30,000 social workers.

NASW mobilized social workers through our online advocacy program. In response to our action alert, 1,151 social workers submitted their own comments to the Department of Education.

As we await the final rule from the Department of Education, NASW is working with our coalition partners to keep this issue front and center with members of Congress.

In addition to our own comments, NASW signed onto coalition comments, amplifying our voice.

• NASW signs onto MHLG Comments to the Department of Education in response to the RISE Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• NASW signs onto Mental Health Provider comments to the Department of Education regarding the RISE Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• NASW signs on to coalition comment letter to the Department of Education in response to the RISE Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a focus on ensuring that student loan borrowers are protected