Graduate Loan Caps and PA School: What You Need to Know

Updated February 2026

This article will be updated as new information becomes available.

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee has reached consensus on new federal student loan regulations that will dramatically impact physician associate/assistant (PA) students and other healthcare professionals. The RISE Committee excluded PA programs from the “professional” designation, categorizing them instead as “graduate” programs. As a result, PA students will be subject to the lower federal loan limits (i.e. $20,500 annually with a $100,000 aggregate cap) rather than the higher limits available to professional students (i.e. $50,000 annually and $200,000 in total).

These changes, stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. However, the regulations are not yet final, and there is still opportunity for change through public comment.

Background: What Is the OBBBA?

In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which implemented sweeping changes to how future loans are made to students and families. Among its provisions, the law phases out the Graduate PLUS loan program, which previously allowed graduate students to borrow up to their full cost of attendance. The elimination applies to new loans issued after July 1, 2026, while existing Graduate PLUS loans remain under their current terms.

In September and November 2025, the RISE Committee convened to establish new limits and oversight measures on future student loan borrowing.

Programs Included in “Professional” Designation

The Department of Education plans to recognize the following degrees as “professional” for purposes of the OBBBA:

• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Dentistry (D.D.S./D.M.D.)
• Veterinary medicine (D.V.M.)
• Chiropractic medicine (D.C./D.C.M.)
• Law (L.L.B./J.D.)
• Allopathic medicine (M.D.)
• Osteopathic medicine (D.O.)
• Optometry (O.D.)
• Podiatry (D.P.M./D.P./Pod.D.)
• Clinical psychology (Psy.D.).P., or Pod.D.)
• Theology (M.Div./M.H.L.)

Notably absent programs from this list are:

• Physician associate/assistant (PA)
• Nurse practitioner (NP)
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
• Certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
• Physical therapy (PT)
• Occupational therapy (OT)
• Speech–language pathology (SLP)
• Audiology (Au.D)
• Public health (MPH)
• Health administration (MHA)
• Social work (MSW, DSW)
• Education (e.g., M.Ed., Ed.D.)
• Other graduate-level professions

Update: A stakeholder memo submitted during the RISE Committee’s rulemaking discussions proposed the following modification to the definition of a “professional degree”: “The remaining professional degrees under this definition are those substantially similar to the examples listed above in both length and field of study, defined as a program of at least 80 credit hours and that is either classified within the same two-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code of any of the degrees named above or as a degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D., etc.).”

In other words, this proposal was intended to expand the definition of “professional” to also cover programs that are lengthy, doctoral-level, and closely aligned in subject area with the degrees already recognized by the Department.

Why This Definition Matters

Under the current proposed regulatory definition of “professional degree,” programs must generally be doctoral level, span at least six years of postsecondary instruction (including at least two years after a bachelor’s), and prepare for professional licensure. Because many PA programs are master’s‐level and generally 2-3 years in length, they likely would not qualify under that proposed definition, though final determinations have not yet been fully published.

The New Loan Limits: A Breakdown

Current Federal Loan Structure (Before July 1, 2026)

For PA Students:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Up to $20,500 per year
• Graduate PLUS Loans: Up to cost of attendance (no annual or aggregate limit)
• Total Available: Full cost of attendance covered

Proposed Structure (After July 1, 2026)

Beginning in July 2026, the OBBBA caps annual loans for new borrowers at $20,500 for graduate students ($100,000 aggregate limit), and $50,000 for professional students ($200,000 aggregate limit).

Graduate Student Designation (Where PA Programs Currently Fall)

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Up to $20,500 per year
  • Annual Limit: $20,500
  • Aggregate Limit: $100,000
• Graduate PLUS Loans: Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available for new borrowers.
• Lifetime Cap (All Federal Loans): $257,500

Professional Student Designation

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Up to $50,000 per year
  • Annual Limit: $50,000
  • Aggregate Limit: $200,000
• Graduate PLUS Loans: Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available for new borrowers.
• Lifetime Cap (All Federal Loans): $257,500

Important note: The new OBBBA lifetime caps include undergraduate borrowing. The $257,500 lifetime cap on all federal student loans (effective July 1, 2026) is a combined limit that counts all federal loans taken for both undergraduate and graduate or professional studies, not just new borrowing for graduate or professional programs.

Important Definitions

• Existing borrower: Anyone who has borrowed at least one federal loan before July 1, 2026
• New borrower: Someone who has never borrowed any federal Direct Loan before July 1, 2026
• Cost of attendance (COA): The total amount it costs to attend school, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses
• Annual loan limit: The maximum amount a student can borrow in a single academic year for a specific loan type
• Aggregate loan limit: The total maximum amount a student can borrow over the course of their program (or their entire academic career) for a specific loan type

Comparison Chart: Before vs. After July 1, 2026

Cost data: The total cost of PA programs varies widely depending on the type of institution and residency status. On average, in-state students attending public programs pay around $55,000 to $60,000 in tuition and fees, while students enrolled in private institutions typically pay closer to $90,000 to $100,000. When living expenses and other costs are included, the overall cost of attendance for many PA programs often exceeds $120,000. Nationally, PA students graduate with an average student loan debt of approximately $110,000 to $115,000.

The Impact on PA Students

Current Debt Burden

Many PAs begin their careers with substantial student loan debt—with an average debt of $112,000 after training.

Data from the PA Education Association (PAEA) revealed a rise in the proportion of PA students anticipating at least $100,000 in debt, from 39% in 2013 to 63.9% in 2021. In 2021, PAEA reported that 5.3% of PA students expected to repay education loans of $200,000 or more. Overall, 88% of PA students report having educational debt.

How Many PA Students Use Federal Loans?

To finance their education, PA students currently have access to two federal borrowing options that collectively allow them to fully fund the cost of their program. The first, Direct Unsubsidized loans, provides students with up to $20,500 in annual aid. For expenses beyond this limit, students have access to Grad PLUS loans up to their university-determined cost of attendance.

Given that 88% of PA students report having educational debt, and considering average program costs significantly exceed $20,500 annually, the vast majority of PA students currently rely on Graduate PLUS loans.

What This Means in Practice

If PA programs remain classified as “graduate” rather than “professional”:

1. For a typical 27-month program costing $80,000:
   • Year 1: Borrow $20,500 (shortfall: ~$19,500)
   • Year 2: Borrow $20,500 (shortfall: ~$19,500)
   • Year 3 (partial): Borrow remaining aggregate limit (~$59,000)
   • Total shortfall that must be covered by private loans: ~$20,000+
2. For programs costing $90,000+:
   • Even more significant gaps requiring private financing
3. Students with prior undergraduate debt:
   • May hit the $100,000 aggregate limit even faster
   • Could be forced to rely almost entirely on private loans for PA school

The Private Loan Problem

A cap on federal aid will likely prompt students to seek private loans, which have higher interest rates and fewer forgiveness programs to pay off debt. Students may not even qualify: private-loan vendors typically rely on looking at people’s FICO score to determine their eligibility. Many students don’t have enough credit history to be considered.

Private student loans have less favorable terms and stricter underwriting requirements, and they commonly require a co-signer to receive them. This shift could disproportionately impact first-generation or low-income students, limiting access to medical education.

PA Programs as Professional Programs: The Case for Reclassification

Federal Licensure Requirements

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)—including PAs, NPs, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists—are credentialed healthcare professionals who meet rigorous state licensure standards. Many of these providers are eligible to obtain DEA registration numbers, which authorize them to prescribe controlled substances under state and federal law.

Important note: PAs who prescribe controlled substances are required to obtain federal DEA registration, which is the same federal registration requirement that applies to physicians, dentists, and other healthcare providers. Simply put, PA programs prepare graduates for significant clinical responsibilities and legal accountability comparable to other healthcare professionals, as they provide education and training that lead to independent state licensure and, for many graduates, federal DEA registration for prescribing authority.

Despite these rigorous standards and clinical responsibilities, PA programs are currently classified as graduate programs rather than professional programs under federal student loan regulations. This classification results in lower annual and aggregate loan limits compared to programs for other types of healthcare providers with similar scopes of practice and prescribing authority. This discrepancy may limit access to adequate funding for students pursuing these essential healthcare roles, particularly given the comparable clinical responsibilities and regulatory requirements PA graduates must meet.

Educational Requirements

PA programs are accredited graduate-level professional programs designed explicitly to meet the academic requirements necessary for clinical practice. They require mastery of advanced medical science and clinical skills far beyond the bachelor’s level, and every PA graduate must successfully obtain professional licensure to enter the workforce.

PA students complete intensive full-time coursework, participate in year-long supervised clinical training, and must meet stringent competencies tied directly to state licensure and national certification.

Comparison to Recognized Professional Programs

Official Responses from Professional Organizations

PA Education Association (PAEA)

The PA Education Association (PAEA) urges the Department of Education to revise its proposal before the final rule is released to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s clear criteria and to ensure that PA students are treated as the professional students the law defines them to be. The PAEA will pursue every available avenue to protect students’ ability to finance their education and to maintain the strength and accessibility of PA programs nationwide.

American Academy of PAs (AAPA)

Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO, the AAPA president and Chair of the Board of Directors, called on the Department of Education to amend the proposal and ensure PAs can access necessary education. “At a time when the need for health care services is rapidly expanding, restricting access to financial support for future healthcare providers is a step in the wrong direction.” “Students would be held back from pursuing their calling not because of lack of academic preparation, talent, or commitment, but due to limits that have no basis in law.”

Timeline and Regulatory Process

What Has Happened

• July 2025: OBBBA signed into law
• September-November 2025: RISE Committee negotiating sessions
• November 7, 2025: RISE Committee reached consensus on all 17 of the ED’s proposals

What Comes Next

1. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): The Department will begin drafting an NPRM for publication in the Federal Register for public comment.
2. Public Comment Period: Once the NPRM is published, there will be an opportunity for public feedback during a 30-day comment period (open January 29 to March 2, 2026). The rule can be altered based on public input.
3. Final Rule Publication: Timeline uncertain, but regulations must be finalized before July 1, 2026 implementation date.
4. Implementation: July 1, 2026 – New loan limits take effect for new borrowers.

Who Is Affected and When?

Grandfathering Provisions

The new limits do not apply to borrowers who are already enrolled in a program and have received a federal loan for that program as of June 30, 2026. These “grandfathered” students may continue borrowing under the old rules for up to three additional academic years or the remaining time to complete their program, whichever is shorter.

In other words, current students enrolled in a graduate or professional program and who borrowed a Grad PLUS loan prior to July 1, 2026 are grandfathered in and permitted to borrow Grad PLUS loans for the remainder of their program or up to three academic years (whichever time period is less).

Who Is Affected

Protected (Grandfathered):

• Students enrolled in PA programs before June 30, 2026 who have received any federal loan for that program
• Can continue borrowing under current limits for up to 3 years or program completion

Affected by New Rules:

• Students who start PA programs on or after July 1, 2026
• Students who have not borrowed any federal loans for their PA program before July 1, 2026

Legislative Response

1. Tim Kennedy – Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act
   • In December 2025, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26-D) introduced the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act. This bill aims to allow both graduate and professional students to receive the same higher limits available to traditional professional degrees like medicine, dentistry, and law. If passed, this legislation would allow students to borrow up to $50,000 per year and up to $200,000 total, eliminating inequities caused by the Department of Education’s narrow classification of professional programs.
   • Note: This act raises loan limits to match professional programs like medicine and law without formally adding PA programs to the “professional” category.
2. Ritchie Torres – Professional Degree Access Restoration Act
   • In December 2025, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15-D) introduced the Professional Degree Access Restoration Act. This bill would roll back the loan caps established under the OBBBA, restoring the broader borrowing authority that existed before those reductions. If passed, this legislation would allow students across all graduate and professional programs to borrow federal loans up to the full cost of attendance, eliminating the current distinctions and fixed annual or lifetime limits.
   • Note: By restoring pre-OBBBA borrowing rules, this bill would effectively remove the OBBBA-imposed caps, allowing students—including those in PA, nursing, medicine, law, and other professional programs—to borrow the full cost of attendance each year without a statutory lifetime limit.
3. Mike Lawler – Professional Student Degree Act
   • In December 2025, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17-R) introduced the Professional Student Degree Act. This bill would add PA programs and others to the official list of “professional” degrees that qualify for higher loan limits. If passed, this legislation would ensure that students pursuing these essential professions can borrow up to $50,000 per year (instead of $20,500) and up to $200,000 total (instead of $100,000), matching the limits available to medical, dental, and law students.
   • Note: Students would still be subject to federal loan limits, but by being classified as “professional” programs, PA and other allied health fields would qualify for the higher caps available to medical, dental, and law students under the OBBBA.
4. Debbie Dingell – Clarity in Professional Degree Act
   • In December 2025, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-6-D) introduced the Clarity in Professional Degree Act. This bill aims to clarify and expand the definition of “professional degree” for federal student aid purposes, protecting access to loans for students in high-cost health professions. If passed, this legislation would ensure that students in these programs could borrow up to $50,000 per year and up to $200,000 total, aligning their federal loan eligibility with that of medical, dental, and law students.
   • Note: Unlike Lawler’s bill, which explicitly adds PA programs to the “professional” degree list, Dingell’s bill broadens the definition more generally, and because the official text has not yet been published, it is unclear whether PAs specifically would be included.

Actionable Steps: What You Can Do

For Everyone

1. Submit your comment to the U.S. Department of Education when NPRM is published.
   • The public comment period is currently open.
   • The U.S. Department of Education is currently accepting public comments through March 2, 2026 on proposed student loan caps. Whether you’re a current student, graduate, parent, or concerned citizen, sharing your story and experiences can help shape policies that affect millions of borrowers. Submitting a comment is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Your voice matters.
2. Sign the following petitions:
   • AAPA
   • Association of Physician Associates & Nurse Practitioners (APANP) via Change.org
3. Submit your story.
   • AAPA is collecting personal testimonies that demonstrate how the proposed graduate loan caps contradict original congressional intent and will harm both future PAs and the patients they serve. If these caps go through as proposed, most PA students would not be able to afford their education. These caps will also disproportionately affect applicants from rural and underserved areas—the very students most likely to return to practice in communities facing critical provider shortages.
   • Your individual story provides powerful evidence that statistics alone cannot convey and will be directly used to show decision-makers what’s truly at stake. As the national professional society representing approximately 190,000 PAs, AAPA will use these specific, real-world examples when advocating directly with legislators, submitting testimony, and filing official comments to the Federal Register during the public comment period to help lawmakers understand the real-world impact of not classifying PA programs as “professional.” Remember, you are the expert on your own experience, and AAPA needs your specific personal stories to persuade and convince legislators why this issue demands immediate action.
4. Contact your legislators via PAEA’s call to action.
   • Email and call your U.S. Senators and Representatives
   • Share your personal story
   • Explain how these limits will impact your ability to become a PA
5. Request a meeting with the following parties and inform them that the current proposed language does not align with the original Congressional intent, which was not to limit professional programs to just 10 programs:
   • U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP)
   • U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce
   • U.S. Department of Education
6. Stay informed:
   • Monitor AAPA and PAEA websites for updates
   • Ask PA programs about their classification status

For Pre-PA Students (Not Yet Enrolled)

1. Verify with schools: Confirm when programs begin and whether summer start dates are available.
2. Accelerate your timeline: If possible, begin your program before June 30, 2026.
3. Borrow strategically: Take out at least one federal loan (even if minimal) before July 1, 2026 to secure grandfathered status. (Note that undergraduate loans do not count for this purpose—only a federal loan at the graduate/program level [e.g. for PA school] will trigger grandfathering and allow you to access the current higher limits.)
4. Create a financial plan:
   • Research private loan options and interest rates.
   • Build credit score now.
   • Identify potential co-signers.
   • Apply for scholarships and grants.
   • Consider more affordable programs.

For Current PA Students

Enrolled Before June 30, 2026:

1. Verify grandfathered status:
   • Confirm you have borrowed at least one federal loan for your PA program
   • Contact your financial aid office to verify eligibility
2. Complete on time:
   • Stay on track to finish within 3 years
   • Avoid leaves of absence that could jeopardize grandfathered status
3. Maximize federal borrowing:
   • Use federal loans before private loans
   • Take full Grad PLUS loan amounts while still eligible

Enrolled After July 1, 2026, or Not Yet Borrowed:

1. Contact your PA program:
   • Ask how they plan to handle the new limits
   • Inquire about emergency funding or scholarships
2. Explore all funding sources:
   • Apply for PA-specific scholarships (PA Foundation, state associations)
   • Research loan repayment programs (NHSC, HPSA)
   • Consider part-time work if program allows
3. Plan for private loans:
   • Get pre-approved to understand options
   • Compare rates from multiple lenders
   • Understand repayment terms

For Practicing PAs

1. Contact legislators:
   • Find your representatives: www.congress.gov
   • What to say:
     • Introduce yourself as a practicing PA
     • Explain your educational journey and debt burden
     • Describe how limiting access will worsen healthcare shortages
     • Request they advocate for PA programs to receive “professional” designation
     • Emphasize the DEA licensure requirement
2. Submit public comments:
   • Watch for NPRM publication (early 2026)
   • Submit formal comment through Federal Register (The public comment period is open from January 29 to March 2, 2026).
   • Coordinate with AAPA/PAEA for maximum impact
3. Support advocacy organizations:
   • AAPA advocacy campaigns
   • PAEA advocacy initiatives
   • State PA associations
4. Educate future PAs:
   • Share information with pre-PA students
   • Mentor students on financial planning
   • Connect students with scholarship opportunities

For PA Program Administrators

1. Clarify your program’s classification:
   • Contact the Department of Education
   • Request confirmation of your program’s designation under new definitions
   • Document all communications
2. Prepare students:
   • Hold information sessions about loan changes
   • Update financial aid counseling
   • Connect students with advocacy resources
3. Advocate collectively:
   • Work with PAEA on advocacy efforts
   • Coordinate with other health professions programs
   • Submit institutional comments during public comment period

Contact Information for Advocacy

Federal Legislators

• Find your Senators: www.senate.gov/senators
• Find your Representative: www.house.gov/representatives

Professional Organizations

• American Academy of PAs (AAPA): www.aapa.org
• PA Education Association (PAEA): www.paeaonline.org

Sample Talking Points for Contacting Legislators

Subject: PA Programs Must Be Classified as “Professional” Under New Federal Student Loan Rules

Dear [Senator/Representative Name],

I am writing as a [practicing PA/PA student/pre-PA student/PA program administrator] to urge you to advocate for Physician Assistant programs to receive “professional” designation under the Department of Education’s implementation of the OBBBA student loan provisions.

The current proposal excludes PA programs from the professional designation, which would:

• Limit PA students to $20,500 annual borrowing vs. $50,000 for professional students
• Force reliance on expensive private loans, limiting access to the profession
• Disproportionately impact first-generation and underrepresented students
• Worsen healthcare workforce shortages at a critical time

PA programs meet all criteria for professional programs:

• PAs must obtain federal DEA licensure to prescribe controlled substances (same as physicians)
• PA programs require rigorous clinical training and advanced medical education
• All PAs must pass national certification and maintain state licensure
• PAs provide essential healthcare services, especially in underserved areas

I respectfully request that you:

1. Contact the Department of Education to advocate for PA program reclassification
2. Submit comments during the public comment period supporting “professional” designation for PAs
3. Work with colleagues to ensure healthcare workforce needs are considered in final regulations

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue affecting healthcare access.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Information]

Additional Resources and Information

Understanding Your FAFSA and Aid Status

Contact your program’s Office of Financial Aid directly if you have specific questions about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will we know the final decision about PA program classification?

The NPRM is expected in early 2026. After a public comment period (30 days), the Department of Education will publish a final rule. This must happen before July 1, 2026, but the exact timeline is uncertain.

Can the rule still change?

Yes. Section 492 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) requires that the Secretary of Education solicit public comment in the development of proposed regulations before publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Public feedback during the comment period can influence the final rule.

What if I’m currently in my prerequisite year?

If you are not yet enrolled in your PA program but plan to start before July 1, 2026, work with your program’s admissions and financial aid offices to understand timing. Starting your program and borrowing at least one federal loan before June 30, 2026, may grant you grandfathered status.

Will this affect PA salaries or job prospects?

The median annual salary for physician associates was $130,020 in 2023, and employment for PAs is expected to increase by 28% over the next 10 years. However, if fewer students can afford PA school, workforce shortages could worsen.

How does this affect Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?

Under proposed changes starting July 1, 2026, new borrowers may find that only the RAP plan qualifies for PSLF, and that payments under standard or other plans may not count. However, final regulatory language has not yet been fully issued.

What about current repayment plans?

Existing borrowers who are enrolled in legacy income‑driven repayment (IDR) plans such as PAYE, ICR, or SAVE will no longer be able to remain in those plans after July 1, 2028. By that date, borrowers will need to transition to either the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) or the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan. Borrowers who do not select a plan by the deadline will be automatically moved into the RAP plan. This requirement applies primarily to borrowers with loans made before July 1, 2026, while new loans issued on or after that date will already be subject to the new RAP/IBR framework.

Conclusion

The proposed loan cap changes represent a significant threat to PA education accessibility. While the regulations are not yet final, immediate action is needed from the PA community to advocate for proper classification of PA programs as professional degree programs.

Key takeaways:

1. PA programs are currently excluded from “professional” designation
2. This could force students to rely on expensive private loans
3. The rule can still be changed through public advocacy
4. July 1, 2026 is the implementation date
5. Students enrolled and borrowing before that date may be grandfathered

Most important: Contact your legislators, participate in public comment, and stay informed. The future of PA education accessibility depends on collective advocacy action.

References

1. Clinical Advisor. (November 2025). “Department of Education Graduate Loan Proposals Place Restrictive Caps on Health Care Programs.” https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/news/department-education-graduate-loan-proposals-restrictive-caps-health-care-programs/
2. U.S. Department of Education. (November 2025). “U.S. Department of Education Concludes Negotiated Rulemaking Session to Implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s Loan Provisions.” https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-concludes-negotiated-rulemaking-session-implement-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-loan-provisions
3. Council of Graduate Schools. (October 2025). “Detailed Provisions From RISE Neg Reg Committee.” https://cgsnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Detailed-Provisions-From-RISE-Neg-Reg-Committee-1.pdf
4. PAEA. (November 2025). “PAEA Statement on Department of Education Action to Restrict Professional Student Loan Access.” https://paeaonline.org/resources/public-resources/paea-news/paea-statement-on-department-of-education-action-to-restrict-professional-student-loan-access
5. The Chronicle of Higher Education. (November 2025). “Graduate Programs Will Soon Feel the Brunt of Loan Caps as Changes to Federal Aid Advance.” https://www.chronicle.com/article/graduate-programs-will-soon-feel-the-brunt-of-loan-caps-as-changes-to-federal-aid-advance
6. AAPA. (December 2024). “How Physician Associates Can Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness.” https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2024/12/how-physician-associates-can-qualify-for-student-loan-forgiveness/
7. PAEA. (July 2025). “PA Education Policy 101: Student Loans and Loan Repayment Programs.” https://paeaonline.org/resources/public-resources/paea-news/pa-education-policy-101-student-loans-and-loan-repayment-programs
8. JAAPA/PMC. (November 2024). “The effect of education debt on PAs’ specialty choice or preference.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11627320/
9. The PA Life. “How to use PA School Loans to Pay for Physician Assistant School.” https://joinjuno.com/financial-literacy/financial-aid/how-to-use-pa-school-loans-to-pay-for-physician-assistant-school
10. DEA Diversion Control Division. “Registration Q&A.” https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/registration-faq.html
11. PMC/NCBI. “Federal Controlled Substances Act: Controlled Substances Prescriptions.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3847977/
12. Congress.gov. “One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Public Law 119-21.”
13. New America. “RISE Negotiated Rulemaking 2025.” https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/negotiated-rulemaking-2025/
14. Protect Borrowers. (July 2025). “What Students and Borrowers Need to Know Now that President Trump’s ‘One Big Terrible Bill’ is Law.” https://protectborrowers.org/what-borrowers-need-to-know-now-that-trumps-big-terrible-bill-is-law/
15. White Coat Investor. (August 2025). “How the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act Will Affect Doctors.” https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/one-big-beautiful-bill-affect-doctors/

This article will be updated as new information becomes available. Last updated: February 4, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Students should consult with their PA program’s financial aid office and consider speaking with a financial advisor about their specific situation.