‘Facing a challenge’: Loan limits for healthcare students spark new concerns in Nebraska hospitals

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A proposed rule change from the U.S. Department of Education would dramatically reduce the amount some future healthcare workers could borrow for school.

Under the plan, many healthcare degrees, such as nursing, would lose access to high federal loan caps, ranging from as little as $20,000 to a lifetime cap of $100,000.

The Trump administration doesn’t consider them professional programs, unlike those for doctors, veterinarians and pharmacists.

But hospital leaders said fewer people may join the force because the path to get there is about to get even more expensive.

“We should be making it easier for people to get higher education degrees and not making it harder,” said the president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, Jeremy Nordquist.

For some caregivers like Presley Marth, it hits close to home.

“It makes it harder and, you know, discourages a lot of people,” Marth said.

Nebraska hospitals warn that if fewer students enroll in medical careers now, there may not be enough providers caring for families in the future.

“It’s sad when we know we need more nurses across Nebraska. We already have a shortage of 5,000 nurses at this point,” Nordquist said. “We’re really facing a challenge with our healthcare workforce, and this is just a step backwards.”

The White House is also hoping the change would force medical schools to lower tuition costs.

Critics said it’s not just about the dollars, it’s about equity.

The programs help students enter stable and respected careers in medicine and health.

“It’s going to make it a lot harder and more stressful, and they already have enough stress on them as it is. And I disagree with it, I always wonder, ‘What is the endgame with some of the decisions?'” Marth said.

If fewer students enroll, the ripple effects could reach far into communities that rely on those workers for care.

While the plan is still being finalized, the new student loan caps would take effect next July.