What prospective nursing students need to know about upcoming federal loan changes.
Recent federal loan changes from the U.S. Department of Education will soon limit how much graduate nursing students can borrow each year. These shifts have raised understandable questions among students preparing to enter or advance in the nursing field. To help clarify the impact, we spoke with Jessica Leiberg, dean of the School of Nursing, and Kevin Sheridan, assistant vice president of Financial Aid and Student Accounts at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Together, they shed light on what students should expect and how CUW is prepared to continue supporting them.
Q: How big a change will this be for our CUW nursing students?
Kevin: It won’t be. A lot of people believe nursing programs are no longer eligible for funding, but that’s not true. By the Department of Education’s definition, nursing was never labeled a “professional program.” It only becomes an issue now because the Graduate PLUS loan is being eliminated. At Concordia, the impact is minimal: in the last 15 years, only nine advanced nursing students have used the Grad PLUS loan. CUW nursing students have already been living within these loan limits.
Q: Many students feel anxious about the borrowing limit changes. What would you say to those who feel called to nursing?
Jessica: Nursing is a calling, and people who feel called to this work will continue to pursue it. It takes a special person to choose this profession, and that passion doesn’t disappear because of policy changes. Interest isn’t the issue — access is. According to 2023–24 data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 60,000 qualified applicants were turned away from programs due to educator shortages. That’s where the real concern lies. Access must be central to this conversation. If you are called to be a nurse, be not afraid; you are supported at Concordia.
Q: Why should students care about the shortage of nurse educators and how is CUW handling it?
Jessica: Nurse educators truly are the backbone of the profession, and their availability directly impacts the future nursing workforce. That’s why CUW is working proactively to maintain strong faculty numbers, ensuring students continue receiving excellent instruction and mentorship.
Q: Who is most likely to feel the impact of the new borrowing limits?
Kevin: First-generation students may feel the effects more strongly because they rely heavily on federal aid and may not have access to additional financial resources. Our financial aid and admissions teams are preparing to work closely with them — and with all impacted students — to ensure their options are maximized.
Jessica: Nursing isn’t just for the privileged. Even though first-generation students may feel the biggest impact, nursing should be accessible to everyone. That’s part of our mission.
Q: The Department of Education says 95% of nursing students borrow below the annual loan limit. Is that true for CUW?
Kevin: For our graduate nursing students, yes. When we surveyed them, the average loan amount was under $20,000. That reflects CUW’s efforts to keep education affordable and help students borrow responsibly. But this doesn’t mean every student everywhere will be unaffected, which is why we’re staying vigilant.
Q: What additional steps is CUW taking to support nursing students as these changes roll out?
Jessica: Our priority is ensuring students stay focused on their training, not overwhelmed by financial concerns. There are multiple mechanisms students can access — state funding, scholarships, employer partnerships, grants, and alternative funding. Our Financial Aid Office works to maximize aid opportunities and minimize loan debt.
Q: Any additional advice for students feeling overwhelmed by these changes?
Kevin: Reach out early. The Financial Aid Office is here to help, and no question is off-limits. We can walk students through their options, compare scenarios and help them build a personalized plan.
Jessica: If this is your calling, we will do whatever we can to support you in answering it. God is stronger than whatever policies the federal government change.
Moving Forward Together
While federal funding changes bring uncertainty, Concordia remains committed to protecting students and ensuring the nursing profession continues to grow. With strategic planning, early class starts and collaborative support from the School of Nursing and Financial Aid teams, CUW is working to soften the impact of these changes and empower future nurses.
Those who wish to share their concerns nationally can support ongoing advocacy efforts. The Wisconsin Nurses Association, in partnership with the American Nurses Association, has launched a petition urging the Department of Education to reconsider the borrowing limit changes.
For more information on the original article in the news, see “FOX 11 News: Concordia experts bring clarity to national nursing policy changes on news broadcast.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.