Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 21 that he has joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs.
The lawsuit claims the recently finalized Department of Education rule unlawfully narrows the federal definition of “professional degree” and imposes restrictions not authorized by Congress. The coalition argues this could reduce financial aid for students seeking advanced education, particularly in critical workforce fields such as healthcare.
“Cutting off access to federal student loans cuts off access to career opportunities for Virginians. This unlawful rule will worsen the workforce crisis and further strain the healthcare field,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “The Trump administration is once again skirting the system of checks and balances, and my office is committed to standing up for student borrowers in the Commonwealth.”
According to the complaint, Congress passed legislation in July 2025 imposing new limits on federal student loans for graduate and professional students, using an existing definition of “professional degree.” The lawsuit alleges that the Department’s changes unlawfully altered this definition by adding requirements and narrowing eligibility beyond what Congress allowed. The coalition also says these changes could harm states by reducing support for public higher education institutions, creating barriers for advanced training, and worsening shortages in essential professions like healthcare.
The complaint further challenges provisions limiting protections for current students. While a statute includes a grandfathering provision delaying loan caps’ implementation for those already enrolled, under the new rule some students who transfer or temporarily withdraw may lose their eligibility, increasing financial obstacles.
The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for Maryland and is co-led by attorneys general from Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, New York, with participation from Virginia’s Attorney General Jay Jones along with several other states’ attorneys general and governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement; provides legal counsel to state agencies; promotes public safety; addresses issues such as human trafficking; serves all Virginians across the Commonwealth; and offers consumer protection resources including identity theft assistance according to its official website.
Observers say this legal action could have significant implications on access to higher education funding nationwide if successful.
