Congress Needs to Hear From Audiologists on Student Loan Access

The Professional Student Degree Act, H.R. 6718, introduced by Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY), was introduced in mid-December. This bill reaffirms audiology’s status as a professional degree under federal law, a necessary step to protecting student loan access for the next generation of audiologists. The language updates the Higher Education Act to define which programs qualify as professional degrees and explicitly includes audiology as one of these programs. This clarification ensures that students enrolled in AuD programs remain eligible for the higher federal student loan limits intended for doctoral-level professional education.

Currently, H.R. 6718 has only four cosponsors. Advocacy is critical for this bill to move during the 2026 legislative session, and the Academy needs our members to help build the momentum needed for congressional action.

Why This Is Urgent

Audiologists are licensed healthcare professionals who complete doctoral-level education and extensive clinical training. Federal student loan policy has historically recognized this by allowing higher borrowing limits for professional degree programs.

Recent changes to federal student loan law have created uncertainty about which programs could qualify. Without congressional clarification, audiology students face barriers to federal loans, increased reliance on private or higher-interest borrowing, and greater financial barriers to entering the profession.

Demand for hearing and balance care continues to grow across the country. Representatives need to understand that this issue directly affects their constituents, access to care in their states, and the future stability of the audiology workforce.

Take Action and Help Build Momentum

So far, fewer than 100 Academy members have sent messages to Congress on this issue. We need to significantly increase that number to demonstrate strong, nationwide support. This legislation affects the future of audiology and the students that many of our members teach, advise, mentor, and employ. Keeping the profession strong starts with protecting the pathway into it.

We urge you to contact your U.S. Representative today and ask them to cosponsor the Professional Student Degree Act, H.R. 6718. Please share this issue on social media and with your colleagues and peers, encouraging them to speak up.

Take action today and help move this legislation forward.