AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A Trump administration proposal to cap student loans could impact the pipeline of nurses, teachers and other professionals in Western Massachusetts, according to university officials.

The proposal would limit graduate students in specific to $20,500 per year in federal loans, regardless of tuition or living costs. Currently, students can borrow up to $20,500 in unsubsidized loans, with Grad PLUS loans covering remaining expenses. Allison Vorderstrasse, who leads the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst, said the change could affect multiple industries. “That’s a huge concern among many of us,” she said. “All of us share the similar concern about what this will do for the pipeline of those who could move into those professional roles across Western Mass.”

The loan caps would apply to students studying nursing, physician assistants, physical therapists, audiologists, architects, accountants, educators and social workers. The changes are slated to go into effect July 1.

Under current rules, if a school costs $70,000 per year, students can take out $20,500 in unsubsidized loans with Grad PLUS loans covering the remainder. The proposed cap would eliminate the additional funding option for students in the specified fields. Vorderstrasse said her program has already heard from at least one student affected by the potential change. “We’ve already heard from at least one student who reached out to our program, graduate program team to let them know that this was impacting their ability to pursue a degree,” she explained.

The Trump administration believes the caps would curb student debt and help control tuition costs. Vorderstrasse noted that the loan limitations could negatively impact healthcare quality in Western Massachusetts by reducing the number of qualified professionals. “Those who are pursuing many of these professional, what I would consider to be professional degrees as graduate students, are caring for our communities in so many ways...they are working in our communities,” she added.

The proposal is not finalized. Vorderstrasse said people opposed to the loan cap changes should contact their lawmakers.

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