Since the very first social work class was offered in 1898 at Columbia University, social work education has created opportunities for individuals to make crucial contributions to changing the lives of vulnerable people experiencing some of the worst days of their lives. Already being an underpaid, undervalued, and overworked profession, social workers have played an integral role in an array of settings, including schools, mental health centers, substance use disorder treatment centers, nursing homes, child welfare agencies, private practice, to name a few. In addition to serving clients directly, social workers often administer programs and serve as advocates.
During this current administration, major changes to student loans and student loan debt relief are being pushed by the Department of Education. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) instructed the Department of Education to rein in student loan debt by ending the popular Grad PLUS loan program as well as severely restricting access to student loans by limiting loans based on whether the degree programs are classified as professional versus graduate.
The Department of Education released its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding student loan limits on January 30, 2026.
The rule categorizes social work as a graduate program, rather than a professional program. The effect is that social work students will have lower federal student loan borrowing limits than programs that are deemed professional.
Additionally, the rule provides for a new Tiered Standard Repayment Plan which is not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. PSLF allows public servants, including social workers, to get their loans forgiven after making 120 payments on their student loans while working for an eligible employer such as a 501c3 or governmental entity.
For all social workers and aspiring social workers who care about the future of this profession, this is the moment to act.
Please use this editable comment to share your thoughts with the Department of Education.
“If we do not show up for our profession, we cannot expect others to show up for us. Advocacy is how we protect our students, our workforce, and the communities we serve.”
Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO, NASW
Your comment matters.
Your membership matters.
Our collective voice matters.
Let us stand up for social work together.