Thank you for your consideration in supporting PASFAA's campaign to see the Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718) passed! Through the passage of OB3 and subsequent negotiated rulemaking, we have seen changes to the definition of a graduate or professional student that we as financial aid administrators believe would be detrimental to many of our students here in the Commonwealth. This campaign seeks to have members of Pennsylvania's delegation support Representative Lawler's (NY) legislation to improve this important part of the financial aid process. You may read the text of Representative Lawler's legislation <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6718" target="_blank">here</a> .

Support the Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718)

My name is (Insert your name here) and I am a (Position) at (institution), a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA), and one of your local constituents. I write to you today to express my support of the Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718), introduced by Congressman Lawler (NY), and ask that you consider my perspective when deciding how to vote on the matter. As professionals dedicated to promoting access, affordability, and equity in higher education, we believe this legislation represents an important step toward strengthening federal support for students pursuing advanced and professional training.

H.R. 6718 seeks to amend the definition of “professional degree” in the Higher Education Act of 1965, clarifying and expanding what types of graduate and professional programs qualify for specific federal student loan considerations. The bill would codify a broader, more inclusive definition of professional degree programs—encompassing fields such as nursing, social work, physician assistant/associate studies, physical therapy, audiology, education, business, and other advanced disciplines—ensuring these programs are recognized as professional degrees for federal purposes.

Under existing regulatory interpretations, the definition of “professional degree” can be narrow and ambiguous, potentially excluding many rigorous and high-need programs from eligibility for enhanced federal financial support mechanisms such as increased borrowing limits or tailored aid considerations. This constrained definition disproportionately impacts students in fields where substantial educational investment is required to enter the profession and addresses critical national workforce needs (for example health care, education, and public service). By articulating a clear statutory definition and enumerating covered degrees, H.R. 6718 would: 1) Provide certainty and consistency in eligibility for federal student aid and borrowing benefits across a wide range of advanced and professional programs.  2) Support workforce development in sectors facing shortages—particularly in health care and education—by helping students access the financial resources necessary to complete their professional training. 3) Promote equity and access by ensuring students in high-cost, high-demand programs are not disadvantaged due to definitional limitations in current law.

PASFAA members work daily with students navigating the financial complexities of higher education. We see firsthand how the costs associated with professional programs can deter talented individuals—especially those from low- and moderate-income backgrounds—from pursuing education in high-need fields. By expanding the statutory definition of “professional degree,” H.R. 6718 enhances federal policy alignment with modern educational and labor market realities, empowers institutions and students with clearer guidance, and strengthens the pipeline of trained professionals vital to our communities.

I respectfully encourage your office to support H.R. 6718 as it advances through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and I stand ready to assist with any information or testimony that may be helpful to that effort.

Thank you for your leadership on issues that expand educational opportunities for all students.