If you have kids, you likely know the wait for medical appointments can be long.Â
U.S. Department of Education loan restrictions implemented last July means those waits could get longer, which is why a coalition of states led by Washington has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), alleging the agency unlawfully restricted federal student loan access for professional degree programs critical to healthcare and other essential fields.
Further, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown says the DOE loan restrictions will disproportionately impact first-generation college students, those lacking co-signers, and students supporting families—groups already facing significant educational barriers.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, challenges new federal rules that narrow the definition of “professional degree” beyond what Congress authorized. The changes particularly impact programs for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown emphasized the timing concerns, stating the restrictions will worsen healthcare worker shortages when the state desperately needs more medical professionals. This marks the 60th legal challenge Washington has brought against the current federal administration.
Background and impact
Following July 2025 congressional legislation that established different federal loan limits for graduate versus professional students, the DOE created new eligibility requirements that states argue exceed legislative intent. The original law incorporated existing federal definitions, but the coalition claims the agency added unauthorized restrictions.
In Washington alone, hundreds of students face potential impacts. Major state universities including University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University operate affected nursing programs. UW’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program enrolls over 360 students, with 75 additional Master of Nursing students potentially subject to reduced loan limits.
The lawsuit also contests provisions affecting currently enrolled students. While Congress included grandfathering protections for existing students, the DOE’s implementation could strip these protections from students who transfer institutions or temporarily withdraw from programs.
Coalition Details
The multistate effort is co-led by attorneys general from Colorado (Phil Weiser), Maryland (Anthony G. Brown), Nevada (Aaron D. Ford), and New York (Letitia James). Twenty-one total attorneys general plus the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have joined the legal challenge.
This represents the second major student loan-related lawsuit from this coalition. In November, the same group challenged Department restrictions on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which remains pending in court.
