Lawler Bill Seeks to Expand Graduate Student Loan Access

A New York Republican congressman is pushing legislation to expand the number of graduate degree programs eligible for higher federal student loan limits. Representative Michael Lawler's Professional Student Degree Act aims to codify access for students in 24 programs, according to an interview with Inside Higher Ed.

Lawler's bill responds to a federal court order from earlier this summer. That order temporarily blocked the Trump administration's definition, which had designated only 11 programs as professional. The court's action currently allows more graduate students to borrow up to $50,000 annually, the higher of two caps established last year in the Republican-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The Proposed Professional Degrees

Lawler's legislation would formally label two dozen degree programs as professional. This ensures their students remain eligible for the increased annual borrowing limit. The congressman's list extends beyond the health-care fields added after the court ruling.

Lawler stated his goal is to clarify congressional intent behind the original loan caps. "We really went about a comprehensive approach to it," he told Inside Higher Ed. The response from professional associations has been strongly favorable, he added.

Legislative Path and Support

The bill has gathered 26 co-sponsors in the House, a mix of 16 Republicans and 10 Democrats. This bipartisan support could improve its chances in a narrowly divided Congress. Several Democrats have proposed their own bills on the issue, but Lawler's is seen as having the most traction in the Republican-controlled chamber.

Lawler acknowledged the most realistic path forward is attaching the measure to a larger must-pass bill, such as an appropriations package. He mentioned colleagues on the Appropriations Committee had pushed for its inclusion in the Labor-Health and Human Services funding bill. The aim is to pass it before the year's end.

Rationale and Constituent Concerns

When asked why he included fields like social work and education, Lawler framed it as a workforce issue. He argued the country faces shortages in these professions and should not make graduate degrees more expensive or difficult to obtain. The congressman said he has faced little pushback from colleagues on the broader list once he explains the rationale.

Lawler represents a highly competitive swing district and is seeking re-election. He connected the loan issue to broader constituent worries about higher education. He cited the "insane" cost of a four-year degree and graduates struggling to find jobs. "The workforce aspect of this is most important," Lawler said.

He also expressed a belief that community colleges and K-12 systems need greater focus on career readiness, not only college preparation. This is especially critical, he noted, given that nearly 70 percent of Americans do not attend college.

Views on Federal Role and Campus Climate

The interview touched on the shifting relationship between colleges and the federal government under the Trump administration. Lawler called for balance, acknowledging higher education's vital research role while insisting on accountability. He cited specific concerns, including antisemitism on campuses. "They need to have free and open debate and discussion on these campuses," Lawler stated.

Looking ahead, Lawler said he wants an education system that adjusts to the country's economic needs and works with both government and the private sector on curriculum development. His immediate focus, however, is securing the higher loan cap for students in two dozen professional fields.