A federal judge temporarily blocked new Department of Education regulations that significantly restrict which graduate degrees count as “professional” for federal student loan caps. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled the department’s definition is likely inconsistent with Congress’s intent in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The ruling cites likely violations of the Administrative Procedures Act and orders the department to adhere to an older regulatory definition while the case proceeds. Plaintiffs include professional health care associations and the National Education Association, which challenged the May regulation limiting the “professional” definition to 11 degrees. The practical effect is to preserve higher federal borrowing limits—up to $200,000 for professional degrees—relative to lower caps for other graduate degrees. The coverage also highlights complaints that the department’s narrower definition would exclude education and nursing, potentially pushing students toward private lending or deterring enrollment. For education providers, professional schools, and compliance teams, the order adds uncertainty to fall planning for affected programs and may require updated student disclosures and advising until final litigation outcomes are reached.