Learn what the US Department of Education does, which degrees count as “professional” for 2026 loan limits, and how the Ohio and Florida state departments differ.
What is the US Department of Education?
The United States Department of Education is the federal agency responsible for national education policy. It administers federal student aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants and Direct Loans), enforces civil rights laws in schools, collects national education data, and distributes federal funding to states and schools. It does not set curriculum. Schools and curriculum are mostly run by states and local districts, which is why a state department of education matters just as much.
Is the Department of Education being dismantled?
The department cannot be fully shut down without Congress. It has instead signed several interagency agreements moving programs and staff to the departments of Labor, Interior, State, and Health and Human Services. Under these agreements, elementary and secondary programs and postsecondary programs (excluding the student loan portfolio) are moving to Labor, Indian education to Interior, and international education to State. States will continue to receive Title formula funds, but from the Department of Labor.
If you work with federal education grants, check which agency now manages your program, since the contact point may have changed.
Department of Education professional degrees list (2026)
This is the most searched topic right now. It matters because it decides how much federal loan money graduate students can borrow.
The 11 designated professional programs. The final rule names pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, theology and clinical psychology.
Loan limits from July 1, 2026
| Student type | Annual limit | Aggregate limit |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | $50,000 | $200,000 |
| Other graduate | $20,500 | $100,000 |
Students in the 11 programs can borrow up to $50,000 a year with a $200,000 aggregate limit, while other graduate students are limited to $20,500 a year and $100,000 in total. Graduate PLUS loans were eliminated for new borrowers as of July 1, 2026.
Who is left out. Nursing, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, public health, education and architecture fall under the lower limits. The department said education does not meet the legal test because entry-level teaching only requires an undergraduate degree.
Court update. On June 24, 2026, a federal court stayed part of the department’s narrowed definition of “professional degree.” While the stay lasts, the department is treating an expanded interim list, including some nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy and audiology programs, as professional. This could change as the litigation continues, so confirm your program’s status with your school’s financial aid office.
Ohio Department of Education
Ohio’s state agency is now called the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, following a 2023 merger that combined education and workforce functions. It oversees K-12 public schools, licenses educators, and issues state report cards for districts. It is separate from the federal department, so state rules and federal rules can differ for the same school.
Florida Department of Education
The Florida Department of Education oversees public education from K-12 through colleges and workforce education. It is led by the Commissioner of Education and works with the State Board of Education. It manages state testing, school grades, teacher certification and state scholarship programs.
Federal vs state: quick comparison
| Topic | US Department of Education | State departments (Ohio, Florida) |
|---|---|---|
| Student loans and FAFSA | Yes | No |
| Curriculum and standards | No | Yes, mostly |
| Teacher licensing | No | Yes |
| Civil rights enforcement | Yes | Shared |
| Funding | Federal grants | State and federal funds |
FAQs
What does the US Department of Education do?
It manages federal student aid, enforces education civil rights laws, gathers data and distributes federal funds.
Is the Department of Education closing?
Not fully. Congress must approve a full shutdown, but many programs are being moved to other federal agencies.
Is nursing a professional degree for student loans?
Under the final rule, no. A court stay has led the department to use an expanded interim list that includes some nursing programs, but this is temporary.
Is an MBA a professional degree?
No. Business is not among the 11 designated programs.
How is a state department different from the federal one?
State departments run schools, licensing and curriculum standards. The federal department focuses on financial aid, civil rights and funding.
Conclusion
The Department of Education is changing quickly. Its programs are moving to other agencies, and the professional degrees list now decides how much graduate students can borrow. Check the official ed.gov announcements and your state department’s website before making decisions, since the court-ordered list may change.