This week on "Off The Cuff," Melanie is joined by Karen and Nalia to discuss the two active lawsuits against the Department of Education's (ED) final rule on loan programs. Karen explains what the lawsuits entail, where states, nursing and physician assistant organizations argue against ED's definition of "professional" degree programs, which will be subject to higher loan limits compared to graduate degree programs. Nalia then walks listeners through the House's fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget proposal, along with other details from the House Appropriations Committee's recent markup. From there, Karen gives a quick update from ED regarding the FPS C Flag associated with Comment Code 352. Melanie closes the episode by highlighting and detailing sessions of NASFAA's National Conference, which is nearly two weeks away, and NASFAA's Virtual Summit, which is set for July. 

Speakers

Melanie Storey President & CEO	Karen McCarthy Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations	Nalia Medina Assistant Director of Government Relations	Maria Carrasco Reporter

This episode of Off The Cuff is brought to you by our upcoming NASFAA U Fundamentals of Student Financial Aid Online Course

Starting on July 7, this four-week interactive online course will focus on the fundamentals of financial aid, including applying for financial aid, its concepts, categories, and types; the Title IV aid programs; other federal sources of student assistance; and comparing financial aid offers. This course is the perfect learning tool for new financial aid professionals and individuals who assist students through the financial aid cycle, such as admissions or enrollment representatives and high school counselors. Enroll today at nasfaa.org/Online_Courses.

Resources

• Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• One Big Beautiful Bill Act Web Center
• Coalition of 25 States Sue ED Over OBBBA Loan Limits, Claim New Rule Will Worsen Workforce Shortages
• House FY 2027 Budget Proposal Would Cut Campus-Based Aid, Increase Max Pell, and Eliminate Subsidized Loan Funding
• House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2027 Budget, Includes Amendment to Reclassify Nursing Programs as 'Professional'
• OTC AskRegs Experts: Understanding Comment Code 352 and Best Practices to Prevent Student Aid Fraud
• ED Confirms No Resolution Required for Comment Code 352
• NASFAA's 2026 National Conference
• NASFAA's 2026 Virtual Summit

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