AOA continues to advocate for student loan flexibility amidst changes

In the wake of sweeping changes to federal student aid policy under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, optometry students and schools faced uncertainty over future access to federal loan funding. Although the initial legislation included optometry in its small group of ‘professional’ degrees,’ a new proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education affirms this inclusion, signifying a win for AOA’s advocacy for optometry students.  

This clarification represents a meaningful win for current and future optometry students. By codifying optometry’s status as a professional degree, the proposed rule ensures students maintain access to higher levels of federally subsidized, lower-interest loans needed to pursue their education. 

Under the proposal, optometry students would remain eligible for up to $50,000 annually and a $200,000 lifetime maximum in federally subsidized loans. Programs not classified as professional degrees would receive only half that amount—making AOA’s successful push for inclusion essential to maintaining access and affordability. 

Protecting access to optometric education—and patient care  

AOA leadership was vocal about the importance of including optometry in the professional degree category and celebrates its inclusion. However, the professional subsidized loan limit still presents an unrealistic ceiling for advanced medical education. Restricting access to affordable financing for optometric training could deter students who rely on loans to finance their education and living expenses.  

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry reports that, in the 2024-25 school year, the average in-state tuition at public universities ranged from $30,502 for first-year students to $45,738 for fourth-year students. Private institutions maintained an average per year tuition of $46,316. Including living expenses, additional certifications, and equipment significantly increases the totals and exceeds the annual lifetime loan limit.  

Raising optometry degree costs through the necessity of higher-interest private loans threatens to stymie new providers at a time when demand for quality optometric care is rising. As the aging population booms in the next decade, optometric care will become even more important.  

AOA urges continuing advocacy 

While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is already law, there are still opportunities to advocate for adjustments. AOA-member students and doctors can reach out to their lawmakers on this issue through the AOA Action Center. 

“We will continue working with policymakers to ensure student loan policies protect borrowers without putting optometric education—and patient care—out of reach,” Dr. Bowen says. 

Download a helpful resource from the AOA on federal student aid changes affecting optometry students. 

Register now: AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keyperson Summit  

Optometry’s advocates are needed in Washington, D.C., March 15-17, to advance federal priorities like this with our nation’s health policy leaders as part of AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keyperson Summit.  

This newly envisioned meeting aims to harness the power of the AOA’s 500-strong Federal Keyperson Program. While still open to all advocacy-minded AOA members, AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keyperson Summit will convene the core of optometry’s legislative influencers together to amplify optometry’s impact in Washington, D.C.   

Attendees can expect to:  

• Participate in important issues briefings and policy sessions from Capitol Hill leaders.
• Connect with fellow keypersons and seasoned advocates to receive training, develop strategies and align resources for advancing optometry’s federal priorities.
• Drive action on our collective advocacy, ensuring optometry’s voice leads to even higher levels of legislative action and progress.  

Lawmakers’ focus on plan abuses make this a consequential time on Capitol Hill to build the support needed to advance key VBM action and other top advocacy priorities. Register now to amplify optometry’s message at AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keyperson Summit. 

REGISTER

Interested in becoming an AOA Federal Keyperson? Click here to join the fight for a better future for patients, practices and the profession.