A federal judge temporarily blocked part of a plan pushed by Donald Trump's administration that would have restricted access to federal student loans for students studying nursing, physical therapy, public health and other healthcare professions.

The decision comes as a relief to thousands of graduate students who may have been forced to abandon their studies or turn to private loans with higher interest rates due to new limits set by the U.S. Department of Education.

The court ruling comes as debate continues over the implementation of the law known as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which contemplates changes to the financing system for higher education.

What did the judge block and why is it important?

Federal Judge Beryl Howell suspended the new definition of “professional title” adopted by the Department of Education, considering that the agency exceeded the authority granted by Congress.

With that modification, only certain careers—such as Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine—would retain access to the highest federal loan limit, up to $200,000.

Instead, graduate programs such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, public health and physician assistant training would be subject to a $100,000 limit.

In his resolution, Howell warned that restricting these loans could especially affect communities with a shortage of health professionals.

“The loss of opportunities for future students would be detrimental to the public, particularly in disadvantaged communities facing shortages of health care and other essential career services,” the judge wrote.

The legal battle continues

The lawsuit was filed by eight organizations representing healthcare professionals and students, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

After learning of the decision, the organization celebrated the ruling and assured on its social networks that it represents “an important step for specialized nursing students, the future health care workforce and the patients who depend on them.”

Although the court resolution stops the new definition promoted by the government, it does not eliminate the general limits on student loans approved by Congress, which will come into effect in the coming months.

For its part, the Department of Education reported that it is analyzing the resolution and will determine the next legal steps.

Additionally, another lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democratic-governed states also seeking to overturn new limits on federal student loans remains pending.

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