Study Architecture 
ProPEL Department of Education Releases the Final Rule on Student Loans
The U.S. Department of Education has published final regulations for federal student loan programs. The regulations preserve the list of professional degrees eligible for higher annual and lifetime loan caps. Architecture did not have its status changed, nor did any other field. Student loan limits for graduate degrees remain at the lower limits proposed earlier this year. However, as a result of a separate law passed by Congress the Graduate PLUS loan program will end effective July 1, 2026, significantly reducing available funding for federal student loans. This rule directly affects students pursuing graduate professional architecture degrees.
Thanks to hundreds of comments from stakeholders in architecture and design, our collective action did not go unnoticed. As quoted from the rule, “The Department received extensive comments from deans of architecture programs, accrediting and professional organizations, students, and practitioners urging us to include architecture, and in some instances, landscape architecture, in the list of professional degrees.” The final rule responds directly to architecture and design on five topics, but the Department remained immovable on the argument that these changes to student loans will negatively impact architecture students and the profession.
While the outcome was not what we hoped, this collective action demonstrates that we are stronger when we advocate together. We know this rule will create new financial barriers that threaten both access to the profession and future pathways to the practice of architecture. ACSA research over the past decade shows that the greatest impact will be felt by groups historically underrepresented within the profession.
As information becomes available regarding the Department’s negotiated rulemaking, we will continue to keep you abreast of ACSA’s advocacy around issues impacting higher education.
