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AAPA Comments to Education Department: Student Loan Exceeds Statutory Authority, Redefines H.R. 1's "Professional Degree"

AAPA announced from Arlington, Va., on Feb. 26, 2026, that it submitted public comments opposing the U.S. Department of Education's proposed RISE student loan rule.
AAPA argues the Department's narrow definition, which AAPA says, would exclude PA programs from the higher federal loan limits Congress intended, exceeding its authority under H.R. 1 and 34 C.F.R. § 668.2.
AAPA says the proposed rule would move PA students into the lower 'graduate' borrowing tier, with a $20,500 cap, while median tuition exceeds $96,900 and total costs often surpass $200,000.
AAPA President Todd Pickard warned the rule would limit access and impact patients, stating `This rule doesn't just affect how students will finance their education; it directly affects patients.`
Given workforce projections, AAPA urged regulators to align the rule, noting PAs are projected to grow more than 20% over the next decade and one-third plan to work in rural areas.

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AAPA Comments to Education Department: Student Loan Exceeds Statutory Authority, Redefines H.R. 1's "Professional Degree"

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), representing approximately the nation's 190,000 physician associates/physician assistants (PAs), formally submitted public comments to the U.S. Department of Education opposing its proposed federal student loan rule…

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