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AOA makes progress to soften the impact of federal student loan changes
AOA makes progress to soften the impact of federal student loan changes
December 17, 2025
Advocacy efforts have kept optometry classified as a professional degree.
Tag(s): Advocacy, Federal Advocacy
Key Takeaways
- New federal student loan limits for the academic year 2026-2027 will make costly health care degrees even more unattainable for some.
- The AOA advocated for the inclusion of optometry as a professional degree, warning Congress that lowering limits would make optometry schools out of reach for many.
- AOA members can advocate directly to their lawmakers through the AOA Action Center beginning Jan. 1, 2026.