The Trump administration finalized a regulation tightening federal student loan limits for graduate students in education-related degree programs. The Department of Education argued the rule reflects “common sense” by excluding education from “professional” graduate degrees that qualify for higher annual and total borrowing caps under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Under the new framework, graduate students in “professional” degrees may borrow up to $50,000 annually or $200,000 total, while those not categorized as “professional” face lower limits. The regulation also prorates part-time student borrowing caps, a factor raised by stakeholders because many education graduate students attend part-time. Education policy groups and professional associations warned the change could reduce enrollment in graduate education programs, increase dropout rates, and worsen shortages for special education teachers, principals, and district administrators. The dispute is likely to drive further litigation and rulemaking scrutiny as institutions plan program capacity and aid models.