New federal proposals to cap graduate borrowing and restrict Grad PLUS loans are prompting universities and lawmakers to scramble for solutions. The Education Department’s draft framework would allow larger aggregate loans for programs labeled 'professional'—but several fields, including nursing, were left off the list. That omission sparked bipartisan appeals from lawmakers urging the department to add nursing to the higher‑cap category. Graduate programs face immediate financial planning questions: loan caps will change how institutions price professional degrees and how students finance advanced study. University officials warn caps could reduce enrollment in high‑cost programs, while Congressional pressure seeks to ensure workforce‑critical fields like nursing are not disadvantaged by the new rules.