School of Nursing and Health Professions
Dear SONHP students,
Please read the latest update.
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2026 – In response to legal action taken by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and a coalition of national healthcare and higher education organizations, the Department of Education (ED) released an interim list of professional degree programs on June 29 that includes post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, and DNAP). Notably, the professional degrees identified did not include the PhD in nursing.
—----
What this means to you:
Federal Funding is Protected: This crucial court decision helps sustain vital federal funding for students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. You can move forward with your financial plans with confidence.
Your Degree Retains Its Status: High-impact programs like advanced nursing and public health will continue to be fully recognized as professional degrees, ensuring your education carries the professional weight, respect, and career mobility it deserves.
The Restrictive Rules Are Paused: The Department of Education’s attempt to enforce strict new constraints (such as requiring an arbitrary six years of postsecondary coursework or limiting professional degrees to an exhaustive list) has been suspended nationwide. The broader, student-friendly standard remains firmly in place.
This legal victory was championed by an interprofessional coalition, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), specifically to protect your educational opportunities and professional future.
We continue to advocate for you and your future.
---------------
Welcome to the USF School of Nursing & Health Professions home for current and newly admitted students, faculty, and staff.
If you are a prospective student, explore what programs are right for you
---------------------
