Federal Court Temporarily Blocks the Department of Education’s New Definition of a “Professional Degree”

Last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked a portion of the Department of Education’s narrowed definition of “professional degree” that was set to take effect on July 1, 2026, as part of its Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Final Rule. This was in response to a joint lawsuit filed by several trade associations of professions impacted by the rule.

The June 23 stay suspends the Department of Education's authority to implement the provisions until the court can fully decide the case on its substance in a full-merit hearing.

This has implications for students in or considering degree programs in these redefined categories as the rule may limit access to federal student loans to obtain these degrees.

Learn more:

• American Associations of College of Nursing
• National Association of Student Financial Aid