Two Fronts, One Goal: Securing Federal Loan Access for Audiology Students

The Academy is pursuing a two-pronged strategy through Congress and the Department of Education to protect federal student loan access for AuD students. Both pathways require immediate action from audiologists and students.

Legislative Action: The Professional Student Degree Act

The Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718), introduced by Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY), would reaffirm audiology as a professional degree program under federal law. The bill updates the Higher Education Act to explicitly include audiology, ensuring AuD students remain eligible for higher federal student loan limits for doctoral-level clinical education. H.R. 6718 currently has four cosponsors, and increased congressional support is needed for the bill to advance in 2026.

Contact Congress: Ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor H.R. 6718.

Regulatory Action: Department of Education Rulemaking

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Education has proposed regulations redefining which programs qualify as “professional degree programs.” Under the draft rule, only 11 named professions would retain higher federal loan limits, and audiology was not included. If finalized, this could significantly limit borrowing for AuD students as early as July 2026.

The Department is accepting public comments until March 2, 2026. Personalized comments, including individual experiences, data, and programmatic impacts, are essential, as form letters are not counted.

Submit a Public Comment: Provide a personalized comment to the Department of Education on how reduced loan limits would affect audiology education and patient care.