EdSource (06/05/26)

The American Academy of Physician Associates and the Physician Assistant Education Association have sued the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that a new federal loan rule unlawfully classifies physician associate programs as non-professional degrees. The rule caps students' borrowing at $100,000 instead of the $200,000 allowed for professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The groups contend this violates the Administrative Procedure Act and ignores the reality that PA programs require rigorous clinical training, lead to licensure in all states, and may cost well over $200,000 when tuition and living expenses are included. The Department of Education defends the rule as an effort to curb excessive student debt, but the organizations are seeking a preliminary injunction before the policy takes effect on July 1.

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