Proposed Loan Restrictions Threaten Behavioral Health Workforce Development
The Department of Education has proposed a rule that could significantly impact the behavioral health workforce by narrowing the definition of professional degrees and capping federal student loans for certain graduate programs. Degrees in social work, counseling, and nursing would no longer qualify for higher borrowing limits, restricting students to $20,500 per year and a lifetime cap of $100,000. This change could deter individuals from pursuing careers in behavioral health, exacerbating workforce shortages amid rising demand for mental health services. The proposal also includes the elimination of the Graduate PLUS loan program, further limiting financial support for students.