Decoding the Department of Ed's RISE Committee: What You Need to Know
Hey everyone! For those of you tracking the ever-evolving landscape of student aid, the Department of Education's (ED) Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee just wrapped up its first week of negotiated rulemaking sessions. If you're a current student, a prospective one, or just someone who cares about higher education funding, these discussions are a big deal. The committee is essentially hammering out the details for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and here's a quick breakdown of what went down.
The "Professional Student" Puzzle
One of the biggest head-scratchers of the week was the discussion around what exactly defines a "professional student." ED put forward some updated language, but it seems to have left many negotiators scratching their heads (or holding their thumbs sideways, as they say in the room).
The proposed definition is key because it impacts eligibility for certain loan limits. Essentially, if you started a professional degree program before July 1, 2027, and that program was already receiving federal funds in the 2024-25 academic year, you might be classified as a professional student under these new rules. There's also a bit of a wrinkle for those in dual graduate/professional programs – if more than half your credits go towards the professional degree, you'd likely fall into that category.
Why does this matter? Because of...
New Loan Limits: A Mixed Bag
OBBBA is introducing new annual and aggregate loan limits: $20,500 and $100,000 for grad students, and a more generous $50,000 and $200,000 for professional students. So, that "professional student" definition directly impacts how much you can borrow.
Negotiators had a bit of a mixed reaction to the proposed language here. While some were on board, others were still giving it the "thumbs sideways" treatment. They also talked about "grandfathering" provisions for those already enrolled before June 30, 2026, and giving institutions the flexibility to set lower loan limits if they choose. It's a lot to unpack, and it's clear there's more discussion needed to find a balance that works for everyone.
Repayment Plans: Welcome, RAP!
On a more positive note, the initial reactions to the language around general loan and repayment options were good. However, when it came to the brand-new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) – a new income-driven repayment option – some negotiators were still on the fence. While the details of RAP are still being refined, it's designed to offer more flexible repayment options, which is generally a good thing for borrowers. We'll be watching closely to see how this plan takes shape!
Clearing the Air on Forbearance and Rehabilitation
Good news here! The committee reached a consensus on allowing borrowers to rehabilitate a defaulted loan twice. This provides a crucial safety net for those who hit a rough patch. There was also a push to make the various types of loan forbearances clearer to borrowers. Let's be honest, navigating student loan options can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, so any move towards clarity is a win!
What's Next?
The RISE committee isn't done yet! They'll be back at the table from November 3-7, 2025, for their second round of meetings. Expect more intense discussions, especially as they revisit that tricky "professional student" definition. You can (and should!) tune in, as all meetings are livestreamed to the public.
It's a complex process, but these negotiations will ultimately shape how future generations access and repay their education. Stay informed, stay engaged, and we'll keep you updated as more details emerge!
