AAMFT Statement on RISE Final Rule Impacting Graduate Loans

On April 30, the United States Department of Education released the final Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule. AAMFT has reviewed the final rule and found that no substantial changes have been made from the proposed rule issued in January.

This final rule offers a definition of “professional degree” that excludes MFTs, as well as social workers, counselors, nurses, and many other healthcare graduate providers, severely limiting the loan amounts available to these students.

New borrowers classified as “professional students” may access up to $50,000 per year, while those classified as “graduate students” are capped at $20,500 per year. Because MFT programs are not included in the “professional degree” definition, aspiring MFTs are subject to the lower cap.

In March, AAMFT submitted comments on the proposed rule to the Department, emphasizing that MFTs should be included in the definition of a “professional degree.” AAMFT also signed onto letters submitted in coalition with other associations and healthcare provider organizations. Links to those letters and additional background information can be found here.

AAMFT is very disappointed that the Department did not make meaningful changes in the final rule and remains concerned about its impact on the MFT workforce and the communities they serve.

Legislation has already been introduced that would remove these student loan caps. AAMFT is closely monitoring this and will support legislation moving through Congress that removes these loan caps for aspiring MFTs.