Grassroots Action Center
The Situation
The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act (H.R. 6574) has been introduced and would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to raise borrowing limits of federal unsubsidized loans for graduate and professional students to $50,000 per academic year and a maximum aggregate amount of $200,000. This bill is to mitigate the changes the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is poised to make in July 2026 to the federal loan limits for certain degrees, including Counseling. Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA; H.R. 1) trigger a regulation that would no longer classify Counselor Education or Counseling degrees as professional degrees. This bill would reduce reliance on high-interest private loans and level the playing field so that both graduate and professional degree seekers could receive the same amount of federal funding. It would be a much-needed reform for students seeking Counseling degrees, especially if the Department of Education is successful in redefining what programs are considered to be a “professional degree” under OBBBA.
Though H.R. 6574 does address the potential loan cap on federal unsubsidized loans, it is critical that Licensed Professional Counselors continue to be recognized as professional degree holders, just like law, medicine, and other advanced practice professions. NBCC will continue to fight for this designation on behalf of Counselors.
Why This Matters
The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act (H.R. 6574) updates federal unsubsidized loan limits for graduate and professional students ($50,000 per academic year and $200,000 total). This is especially important for the Counseling profession, where required graduate education, clinical training, and licensure can often exceed current borrowing caps.
As Congress advances the LEAP Act, it is critical that Counseling continues to be recognized as a professional degree. Counselors complete comprehensive graduate education, clinical training, internships, licensure pathways, and continuing education requirements. Removing “professional degree” status could:
- undermine recognition of the clinical expertise required in counseling practice.
- affect eligibility for federal loan programs, scholarships, or advanced-degree policies.
- place our behavioral health workforce at a disadvantage compared to other advanced practice professionals.
Message to Congress
Please support H.R. 6574 and its goals. In addition, urge Congress to affirm and preserve the professional degree classification for Counseling.
