Advocacy Continues to Protect Student Loan Access for Audiology Students

The public comment period on the Department of Education’s proposed changes to federal student loan regulations has now closed, but the Academy’s work to protect student loan access for future audiologists continues.

During the comment period, the Academy and its members raised significant concerns about the proposed rule, which would limit higher federal loan limits to students enrolled in only 11 specifically named professional degree programs. Although audiology clearly meets the Higher Education Act’s definition of a professional field, the profession was not included on that list. If finalized as proposed, the rule could significantly restrict borrowing for audiology doctoral students as early as July 2026.

While the Department of Education reviews the submitted comments, the Academy continues to pursue a legislative solution in Congress.

The Professional Student Degree Act

The Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718), introduced by Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY), would reaffirm audiology’s status as a professional degree under federal law. The bill updates the Higher Education Act to explicitly include audiology among recognized professional degree programs, ensuring that students enrolled in AuD programs remain eligible for the higher federal student loan limits intended for doctoral-level clinical education.

Clarifying this designation in statute would provide long-term certainty for audiology students and help ensure that federal loan policy reflects the doctoral-level education and extensive clinical training required to enter the profession.

Take Action

Congressional support is crucial to advancing the Professional Student Degree Act. The Academy encourages members to contact their U.S. Representative and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 6718. Member advocacy is essential in ensuring policymakers understand how this issue affects audiology education, the healthcare workforce, and access to care across the country.

Take action today and help protect the future of audiology!