Federal Student Loans Capped for Therapy Students

On April 30, 2026, the Department of Education released the “Reimagining and Improving Student Education: Federal Student Loan Program” final rule. The final rule limits how much a graduate and professional student may borrow annually and in aggregate.

The limits are as follows for a graduate student:

• $20,500 annual limit
• $100,000 aggregate limit

The limits are as follows for a professional student:

• $50,000 annual limit
• $200,000 aggregate limit

Unfortunately, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs are considered graduate degree programs. This means students enrolled in one of these programs are limited to borrowing $100,000 in aggregate for their entire college career.

To read the final rule, click HERE. Stay tuned for updates as our professional organizations lobby Congress and the courts to restore fair access to student loans.