A finalized Department of Education regulation changes how “professional” graduate degrees are treated for federal student loan limits, effectively lowering borrowing caps for many education-related master’s programs. The administration says the update is meant to control higher education costs, while a coalition of K-12 education organizations argues it could worsen staffing shortages. Under the rule taking effect July 1, graduate students in fields categorized as “professional degrees” would be eligible for higher annual and lifetime loan limits ($50,000 annually and $200,000 total) compared with lower caps in fields not classified as professional. The regulation also prorates part-time students’ borrowing limits by course load. In Education Department data cited by the teacher-education coalition, a large share of education graduate students attend part-time—meaning even moderate enrollment patterns could push borrowers over the new limits. The coalition warns the change could lead to reduced enrollment in education programs and higher dropout rates. Institutions serving would-be teachers, principals, and district administrators are likely to see immediate compliance and advising demands, especially for half-time students who previously relied on established borrowing expectations.